Mourinho Explains Pogba Absence

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho revealed the reasons behind his most notable change to the starting line-up - Juan Mata coming in for Paul Pogba - when speaking to live match broadcaster Sky Sports shortly before Saturday's 12:30 GMT kick-off.

When asked why the club's record signing Pogba was not among the starters or seven substitutes, the United boss revealed: "He is injured. [It happened] yesterday in training, an unlucky situation, and he is out. I don't know how long he is out for."

Turning to the inclusion of Mata, who made an influential substitute appearance in Monday's win at Crystal Palace, Mourinho said: "I trust his experience. I trust his capacity to move into areas where he can connect our game because he is intelligent. Liverpool is a strong team on the counter-attack and in transition."