United quartet train ahead of Vigo trip

Paul Pogba and defenders Eric Bailly, Chris Smalling and Phil Jones all trained on the eve of Manchester United’s Europa League semifinal first leg at Celta Vigo on Thursday.

England pair Smalling and Jones have been out since midmarch, while fellow centre-back Bailly limped off in the 61st minute of United’s 1-1 draw with Swansea City on Sunday.

With left-back Luke Shaw sustaining a foot injury in the same game, United were facing a defensive injury crisis, but manager Jose Mourinho may now have more options at his disposal than anticipated.

Record signing Pogba’s return to the training pitch at United’s Carrington base will also be welcome. Mourinho has been critical of Smalling and Jones for not being prepared to play through the pain barrier.

It is unclear whether either they or Bailly will be fit to start in Vigo on Thursday.

LIVERPOOL EYEING CL

Liverpool must main tain focus and get results in their three remaining Premier League games as they fight for a top four finish to play in the Champions League next season, goalkeeper Simon Mignolet has said.

Liverpool’s 1-0 win over Wat ford on Monday helped them pul three points clear of fourth placed Manchester City and four clear of fifth-placed Manchester United, both of whom have a game in hand. “Everybody is very hungry to play in the Cham pions League. It’s where you want to play. But we’re not there yet and there’s still a lot of hard work ahead of us,” he said.