Midfield problems mount for Mourinho

CSKA MOSCOW

V MAN UNITED

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho admits he faces a “difficult situation” in Moscow as injuries to both Marouane Fellaini and Michael Carrick have left him short in midfield.

Fellaini joined the list of absentees,whichalsoincludes Paul Pogba, after sustaining an ankle injury in Saturday’s win over Southampton following a first-half tackle from Shane Long.

Having watched replays Mourinho, who believes his side have to remain “humble” if they are to extend their unbeaten record this season, was unhappy with the challenge but he refused to criticise referee Craig Pawson, who booked the Saints striker for the challenge.

“We don’t have Fellaini, we don’t have Pogba, we don’t have Carrick,” said the United boss ahead of the Champions League match against CSKA Moscow.

“All three midfield players we lose for this match so the solutions are not many but we try not to focus on individual battles in specific areas on the pitch.

“Fellaini was lucky, it could be a much worse situation but, in a moment when we don’t have Pogba and Carrick, Marouane becomes even more important than he is and not to be here tomorrow is a difficult situation for us.

“But I expect Fellaini not to be out for a long time and after Crystal Palace there is the international break.”

Victory would give United a handy three-point cushion ahead of next month’s trip to Portugal to face Benfica.