Pogba And Blind Injured In Rostov Clash

Paul Pogba's birthday week took a disappointing turn on Thursday night when the Manchester United midfielder sustained an injury during the 1-0 Europa League win over FC Rostov.

One day after turning 24, the Frenchman had to leave the Old Trafford pitch just two minutes into the second half after appearing to strain a hamstring when chasing a ball with an opposing player.

It was a cruel blow for Pogba, who had almost fired United into the lead with the final kick of the first period when his excellently-executed curling shot was parried by the visitors' goalkeeper Nikita Medvedev.

Pogba was replaced by Marouane Fellaini but the enforced substitutions didn't end there. In the 64th minute, Daley Blind was guided off the pitch by United's medical staff in a seemingly groggy state following a bump to the head. Phil Jones came on in the Dutchman's place.

Jose Mourinho was asked about Pogba in his post-match press conference, as he started to assess his options for Sunday's midday match at Middlesbrough in the Premier League. After confirming the problem was with Paul's hamstring, the boss ruled the midfielder out for the weekend and France's fixtures in the forthcoming international break.

"I don't know how long [he will be out] for sure," said the United manager, "but there will be no Middlesbrough and no national team."

Mourinho's third substitution in the match looked set to be Marcus Rashford coming on for Juan Mata, with the two attacking players' numbers being spotted on the fourth official's digital board. But just as the change was about to be made, the Spaniard extended his role in the fray in the best possible way, by scoring the opening goal for United as the clock hit 70 minutes.