Paul Pogba insists stamp on Hector Bellerin was completely accidental as Manchester United star admits regret over missing Manchester City clash

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Paul Pogba insisted his stamp on Hector Bellerin was completely accidental and happened because of the Arsenal defender’s unusual body shape.

The Manchester United midfielder is missing Sunday’s derby against Manchester City after his sending-off at the Emirates.

Pogba was spotted explaining his actions after the victory against Arsenal before publicly revealing his version of the incident following Tuesday’s Champions League win over CSKA Moscow.

Paul Pogba insisted his stamp on Hector Bellerin was completely accidental last Saturday

‘I didn't really speak after the (Arsenal) game - I didn't have time - but I know Hector as well, and I would never give him a tackle like this,’ Pogba said.

‘Unfortunately for me I thought he would put his feet (there) and he was in a position that was a disadvantage for me so I’ve done it.

‘It looks very bad but the intention wasn't like that. They had the decision, the referee got the red card out and that's football.’

Jose Mourinho decided against appealing Pogba’s three-match ban, which will also see him miss Premier League games against Bournemouth and West Brom.

The Frenchman received a red card that will keep him out of the derby with Manchester City

The 24-year-old could not hide his regret at the prospect of having to watch on against City at Old Trafford.

‘I’m very disappointed because I really want to help the team and wanted to be there for this derby,’ he added. ‘We need points and we need to win. It's an important moment, an important game.

‘The day is coming, Sunday is coming, so we will start getting ready for this. I think we are all playing football, to play those kind of games and unfortunately for me I won't play.

‘That's destiny. I say destiny because I cannot go back in the past. You have to think about the future.’

United sit eight points behind their neighbours but the former Juventus midfielder claimed he might as well retire if there is no belief their lead can be toppled.

‘We are still eight points (behind) so with eight points we cannot win the league. We are still behind,’ Pogba said.

‘If I don't believe I (should) stop playing football now. They need to win because they know that we are behind and we are closing and closing.

The 24-year-old will also miss Premier League clashes with Bournemouth and West Brom

‘Unfortunately I won't play but I will be there to help the team mentally. I need to be there to boost the team and hopefully it will help.

‘Manchester City against Manchester United has always been a big, big derby. One city, two clubs.

‘It's going to be a big atmosphere in the stadium and a big game with a big team and big players so that's the game you want to play. I have complete trust in the team.’