Ander Herrera arrives for training along with Manchester United stars as he hopes to replace the injured Paul Pogba for Everton clash and regain Jose Mourinho's trust

  • Ander Herrera and his Manchester United team-mates arrived to train on Friday
  • Paul Pogba's injury could open the door for Herrera's return to the first team 
  • Herrera has fallen out of favour with Jose Mourinho after losing his trust
  • Sportsmail revealed it was due to a training incident at the end of last season 
  • But Mourinho confirmed Herrera could replace Pogba who has been ruled out 
  • Chris Smalling and Victor Lindelof look set to start on the bench against Everton 

Ander Herrera arrived for Manchester United training on Friday as the midfielder hopes to win back Jose Mourinho's trust and regain his position in the absence of Paul Pogba.

Pogba limped out of United's victory against Basle at Old Trafford on Tuesday night and is expected to be sidelined for between four and six weeks. 

The United boss admitted he isn't too sure of the extent of his injury as of yet but confirmed he is unable to play this weekend. 

Ander Herrera arrived at Manchester United's Carrington training ground on Friday

Ander Herrera arrived at Manchester United's Carrington training ground on Friday

The 28-year-old will be eager to capitalise on Paul Pogba's injury and regain a first-team spot

The 28-year-old will be eager to capitalise on Paul Pogba's injury and regain a first-team spot

Paul Pogba went down injured during the first half against Basle
Pogba was forced off with a hamstring injury that could keep him out for six weeks

Pogba suffered a hamstring injury in United's win over Basle and could be for up to six weeks

He said: 'I don't know, I just know that it's a muscular injury, he's out for the weekend match, that's the only match I'm thinking about, I don't think any further than that. He's not playing this weekend. I just know it's a hamstring problem.'


Herrera is one of a number of players who could benefit from the French star's injury. 

After being voted United's player of the year last season and touted as a front runner to replace Wayne Rooney as captain during the summer, the 28-year-old seemed set to become a pivotal figure around Old Trafford. 

But things have not quite panned out the way Herrera would have liked. He had to wait a month into the new season before making his first Premier League start at Stoke and has been forced to accept a place on the bench.

So what went so wrong? Sportsmail revealed this week that he has fallen out of favour due to losing the trust of the United boss following an incident at United's Carrington training ground towards the end of last season.

Herrera could also get his chance to make amends with the United boss Jose Mourinho

Herrera could also get his chance to make amends with the United boss Jose Mourinho

Herrera fell out with Mourinho after a training ground incident towards the end of last season

And his chances of regaining a first-team spot since have been made harder by Nemanja Matic

And his chances of regaining a first-team spot since have been made harder by Nemanja Matic

The impact made by the £40million summer signing Nemanja Matic has undoubtedly not made his hopes of regaining a first-team spot any easier, not to mention Pogba's auspicious start to the season. 

The France international has played freely and dominated games for United in the midfield and also added a goalscorer's touch to his artillery. 

He has already registered two Premier League goals in their four games and he will certainly leave a huge void in Mourinho's side. 

But his injury presents Herrera with an opportunity to prove his worth and to make amends with the United boss and he will eager to grasp it with both hands. 

While Mourinho concedes Pogba will be a big miss to his side, he remains confident in the depth of his squad and insists there are several players who can come in to replace the injured midfielder, including Herrera.

Mourinho admitted Pogba would be a big loss but insists he has several players ready to play

Mourinho admitted Pogba would be a big loss but insists he has several players ready to play

'We have players and we have players waiting for an opp because we start the season really well with one match per week, no need for resting, changes, we were going with the same players but there are good players more than ready to play so honestly we miss Pogba, we need Pogba but we have good players. 

'Herrera, Fellaini, Carrick are waiting for a real chance to start the matches and they are ready so this is also our way of thinking. We lost important players last season during crucial moments and we were not crying or getting excuses about that. 

'Squads are to try to cope with these kind of situations and we know that in a few situations, I don't know how many, but we are going to play without Pogba for a few matches but we have other players.'

Chris Smalling also arrived to their training ground on Friday but won't start against Everton

Chris Smalling also arrived to their training ground on Friday but won't start against Everton

Juan Mata reported to United's training ground on Friday, pulling up in his Aston Martin

Juan Mata reported to United's training ground on Friday, pulling up in his Aston Martin

Another player who will be keen to get his chance is Chris Smalling.

He is yet to feature for United in the Premier League this season but played the full 90 minutes alongside Victor Lindelof against Basle as Eric Bailly and Phil Jones were suspended.

It seems Smalling won't get his chance this weekend, though. Mourinho confirmed after the Basle game he and Lindelof will be given their chances to impress in the Carabao Cup next. 

He said: 'They [Smalling and Lindelof] train really hard. 

Mourinho has preferred Phil Jones over Chris Smalling so far this season
Eric Bailly has looked impressive at the back this season and has kept out summer signing Victor Lindelof

Mourinho confirmed he Phil Jones and Eric Bailly will start in defence at Old Trafford on Sunday

'They train together always in the same team because I knew they had to play this match together.

'If you want to anticipate the next weekend I probably play Bailly and Jones because today they didn't play, because they are fresh, because it makes sense for them to play again, but then two days after we have a League Cup match, so Victor and Smalling again.'

But first United face the return of Rooney to Old Trafford when they take on an out-of-sorts Everton side in the Premier League on Sunday.