Paul Pogba fears he may be out for at least a month because of a hamstring injury suffered in Manchester United’s 3-0 win over Basel on Tuesday.

The midfielder was in some pain after being forced off in the 19th minute of United’s opening Champions League group game at Old Trafford. He required crutches afterwards and although Pogba is awaiting the results of tests he is not optimistic.

If Pogba does miss a month it would represent a severe blow to José Mourinho’s side. The 24-year-old has played a pivotal part in United’s strong start to the campaign – they lead the Premier League on goal difference – and on Tuesday he captained the team in the absence of Michael Carrick. He has scored twice, both goals coming in the league.

Between now and mid-October United have six matches, four in the league – against Everton, Southampton, Crystal Palace and Liverpool – plus a Carabao Cup tie against Burton Albion and a Champions League game against CSKA Moscow.