Manchester United fear they could be without Paul Pogba for up to three months as a result of the hamstring injury the midfielder suffered last week. Old Trafford specialists believe the France international may need as many as 12 weeks of rehabilitation, a recovery period that would see him miss five Champions League games plus Premier League meetings with Liverpool, Tottenham, Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City.

Pogba damaged his left hamstring when losing his footing during the first half of Tuesday’s 3-0 defeat of Basel. Initial MRI scans indicate a grade three tear with potential tendon damage. Further medical assessment is expected to confirm a lay-off period of “six weeks or maybe 12”. United’s coaching staff will be disappointed to lose Pogba, whom Jose Mourinho