Manchester United train ahead of Champions League meeting with CSKA Moscow as Phil Jones returns

  • Manchester United need a point against CSKA Moscow to secure last-16 spot
  • Jose Mourinho's side have won four of their five European games so far
  • Phil Jones returned to training having missed the last five United matches
  • Paul Pogba is eligible for CSKA match on Tuesday despite league suspension
  • Zlatan Ibrahimovic trained but won't play any part in match at Old Trafford 

Manchester United trained on Monday afternoon ahead of their final Champions League group stage fixture against Russians CSKA Moscow at Old Trafford.

Jose Mourinho's side saw their qualification for the knockout stage delayed when they lost 1-0 at Basle a fortnight ago but will advance assuming CSKA don't win by seven goals on Tuesday night.

Considering United thrashed their opponents 4-1 in Moscow on matchday two, this prospect seems highly unlikely and United are expected to top Group A with five wins from six.

Paul Pogba trains on Monday afternoon ahead of Manchester United's final Champions League group fixture against CSKA Moscow

Paul Pogba trains on Monday afternoon ahead of Manchester United's final Champions League group fixture against CSKA Moscow

Phil Jones returned to training on Monday following his recent injury problems

Phil Jones returned to training on Monday following his recent injury problems

The defender required six pain-killing injections during recent international duty with England

The defender required six pain-killing injections during recent international duty with England

Zlatan Ibrahimovic did train at Carrington but won't play any part in Tuesday night's match

Zlatan Ibrahimovic did train at Carrington but won't play any part in Tuesday night's match

Jose Mourinho's side need a point to ensure their qualification to the last 16 on Tuesday night

Jose Mourinho's side need a point to ensure their qualification to the last 16 on Tuesday night

Striker Romelu Lukaku and defender Chris Smalling share a joke during training on Monday

Striker Romelu Lukaku and defender Chris Smalling share a joke during training on Monday

Juan Mata jogs during training as United prepare for their meeting with the Russian side 

Juan Mata jogs during training as United prepare for their meeting with the Russian side 

Tennis star Jamie Murray was at Carrington to observe United's latest training session

Tennis star Jamie Murray was at Carrington to observe United's latest training session

With four wins from five matches, United are on the brink of reaching the last-16 in Europe

With four wins from five matches, United are on the brink of reaching the last-16 in Europe

Man United fixtures

Premier League unless stated

Tuesday CSKA Moscow (H)

Champions League

Sunday Manchester City (H)

December 13 Bournemouth (H)

December 17 West Brom (A)

December 20 Bristol City (A)

EFL Cup quarter-final

December 23 Leicester City (A) 

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Phil Jones was back in training after returning injured from last month's international duty with England, where he needed a number of pain-killing injections. 


Paul Pogba trained at Carrington and he is still eligible for European competition despite the three-match suspension he received for stamping on Hector Bellerin's leg in Saturday's 3-1 win at Arsenal.

The French midfielder, who has been excellent for United this season, will miss this Sunday's crucial derby with Manchester City, as well as the subsequent Premier League fixtures with Bournemouth on December 13 and West Bromwich on December 17.

Europe offers one final, welcome distraction for United, who continue to trail City by eight points at the top of the Premier League, a lead they realistically need to cut on Sunday afternoon to remain in title contention.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic did train but won't feature against CSKA because he has been spending time in the gym to complete his rehabilitation from a cruciate knee ligament injury. 

Ander Herrera and Daley Blind are well wrapped up in training ahead of the match with CSKA

Ander Herrera and Daley Blind are well wrapped up in training ahead of the match with CSKA

Luke Shaw was wrapped up in a snood as he trained in chilly condition on Tuesday afternoon

Luke Shaw was wrapped up in a snood as he trained in chilly condition on Tuesday afternoon

Pogba will be suspended for the next three league games but can play in Europe

Pogba will be suspended for the next three league games but can play in Europe

Mourinho says Ibrahimovic will not be involved against CSKA Moscow

Mourinho says Ibrahimovic will not be involved against CSKA Moscow

David de Gea, who saved United at Arsenal on Saturday, smiles during training

David de Gea, who saved United at Arsenal on Saturday, smiles during training

De Gea made a succession of saves to enable United to win 3-1 at the Emirates Stadium

De Gea made a succession of saves to enable United to win 3-1 at the Emirates Stadium

Ibrahimovic has 'fatigue' as he comes back from injury, says the Manchester United manager

Ibrahimovic has 'fatigue' as he comes back from injury, says the Manchester United manager

Pogba will play, having been sent off in the 3-1 win at Arsenal at the weekend

Pogba will play, having been sent off in the 3-1 win at Arsenal at the weekend

Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Mourinho said: 'Zlatan needs sometimes to work very hard on the muscular area that supports the knee that had the problem, and when the period for that hard work comes, also the fatigue comes.'

Nemanja Matic will also not be involved in Tuesday's game.

Mourinho said: 'We have problems, we have injuries. Matic is injured and when I say he is injured, he is injured. I am not going to make him play so Matic is out.'

Nemanja Matic will not be involved in Tuesday's game, where United need only a draw

Nemanja Matic will not be involved in Tuesday's game, where United need only a draw

As a result, Sergio Romero will replace David De Gea in goal, and Mourinho suggested Luke Shaw could make a rare appearance.

He said: 'I'm going to make a few but not too many changes. We didn't qualify yet and I need to keep a certain balance in the team - but when you speak about Luke Shaw, you are right.

'He's working to have an opportunity and sooner or later, the opportunity will arrive, because he deserves that opportunity. Selected, yes, for sure. To start or to be on the bench, I cannot answer.'