Manchester United legend and former captain Gary Neville says the Red Devils will have suffered a big blow with the absence of star man Paul Pogba, who misses the next ‘few weeks’ with a hamstring injury, but insists Mourinho’s men can cope.

Pogba suffered a hamstring injury after just 19 minutes in his first ever Champions League game for United, a match in which he skippered until he limped off. There is no indication of when the Frenchman will return, with some speculating ‘weeks’ on the sidelines, and some saying ‘months’.

The midfielder missed United’s win over Everton last Sunday, as well as their third round win in the League Cup over Burton Albion – and it is unclear whether or not he will feature in any of the club’s upcoming fixtures.

Neville is a big fan of Pogba, admitting that despite struggling for consistency last season, this time around he promises to have a big influence at Old Trafford – and will be a big loss to Mourinho.

Speaking at the official launch of University Academy 92, a joint venture to offer students from state school backgrounds a higher education, Neville said:

“He’s a big miss.”

“You talk about characters and personality on the pitch, Pogba always wants the ball and always believes in himself. Even if it’s not going well for him he’ll try the next pass.”

“He has taken some stick over the last 12 months in terms of his price tag and the expectation of what people believe he should be delivering.”

“He’ll probably admit himself that last season he fell below his standards but he started off this season brilliantly.”

But Neville is confident that his former side can cope with Pogba’s absence, sighting other midfield options that can cover for the Frenchman.

“He is a loss but Marouane Fellaini has come in, and United have got Ander Herrera, Michael Carrick.”

“You’re going to lose players during the season, you’ve got to overcome it. United will have to cope with that.”