Herrera handed United lifeline

Paul Pogba suffered a hamstring injury during United's win over Basel on Tuesday night's Champions League clash and this could open the door for Ander Herrera to win back a regular place in the starting eleven, after the Spanish midfielder upset manager Jose Mourinho.

Pogba limped off the field during the 3-0 victory and is expected to be out of action for between four and six weeks.

Herrera is one of the players who could benefit from the Frenchman's period on the sidelines after having to wait a month before making his first Premier League start of the season against Stoke last weekend.

Despite being voted as United's player of the year last year and being fancied to replace Wayne Rooney as captain in the summer, the 28-year-old has had to settle for a place on the bench in the first few weeks of the new campaign.

While the arrival of £40m man Nemanja Matic has certainly limited Herrera's appearances, the Spaniard has fallen out of favour after an incident at United's training ground towards the end of last season, according to the 'Daily Mail'.

Herrera reportedly invited a friend with close links to Celta Vigo to United's training ground shortly before the Red Devils faced the Spanish club in the semi-final of the Europa League.

Mourinho recognised the visitor and ordered Herrera into his office for a severe reprimand.

Whilst it is understood that the incident won't jeopardize talks over Herrera's new contract, and Mourinho praised the player's attitude last month, an insider at the club revealed that a change in their relationship has been noticed.

"We used to joke that he was Jose's golden boy, and they were always chatting about the game," said the source on Thursday night.

"But the dynamic has changed since the end of last season. It's not the same."