Man Utd news: Roberto Martinez denies rift between Belgium and Jose Mourinho

The Manchester United midfielder was taken off in the first half of Belgium’s World Cup qualifier against Bosnia & Herzegovina, and scans have shown he could be sidelined for two to three weeks.

Martinez defended the questionable pitch in Sarajevo, saying: “It was a very unfortunate injury for Marouane Fellaini. 

“I don’t think the state of the pitch played any part and it was just a collision between two strong players who wanted to win the ball.”

He added: “Unfortunately Marouane ended up with damage in his ligament. But there was nothing wrong in that respect so the relationship is very, very good with Manchester United as you would expect.”

Fellaini’s Belgium team-mate Kevin de Bruyne was less complimentary of the Bosnian turf, saying: “It was dangerous. But we knew that on Friday. We had trained and we knew what was waiting for us.

“I can understand that they are not going to be happy in England when they see that match on TV. But it is what it is and you have to play.”

Fellaini’s absence is a sore loss for Mourinho, who has shown faith in the midfielder since he was booed by Manchester United fans last season, after giving away a late penalty at Everton in December.

After impressing as an impact substitute for the first three league games this season, the 29-year-old has started the last three, notching a brace against Crystal Palace last time out. 

He will miss the trip to Anfield on Saturday, along with other centre-midfielders Paul Pogba and Michael Carrick.