Paul Pogba set to return from injury for Manchester United

Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba is set to return from his three-month injury lay-off but wantaway Jesse Lingard has been given the weekend off to clear his head after seeing a move blocked.

Pogba has been out with a thigh injury since November and Ralf Rangnick said the midfielder may even start Friday’s FA Cup clash against Middlesbrough.

Lingard has been granted time off, as has Edinson Cavani, while defenders Eric Bailly (ankle) and Victor Lindelof (illness) are out of the fourth-round tie.

Luke Shaw is set to return from injury and Aaron Wan-Bissaka is available. Mason Greenwood has been released on bail following his recent arrest but will not train with or play for the club until further notice.

Middlesbrough midfielder Riley McGree will miss the trip to Old Trafford after testing positive for Covid-19 while on international duty.

Australia international McGree, who joined the Teessiders from MLS side Charlotte FC last month, is in quarantine after contracting the virus during the build-up to the World Cup qualifier against Oman.

Manager Chris Wilder otherwise has no fresh selection concerns as Boro attempt to extend a run which has seen them win six of their last seven games in all competitions.

Only long-term absentees Marc Bola, Darnell Fisher and Sammy Ameobi are missing with midfielder Marcus Browne having sealed a permanent move to Oxford and striker Uche Ikpeazu a loan switch to Cardiff on deadline day.