Manchester United: Paul Pogba recovery takes step forward as midfielder nears return

Pogba will start training with the first team again next week

Paul Pogba will start training with Manchester United’s first team again next week as he steps up his recovery from ankle surgery.

Reports in France over the past few days suggested that Pogba was nearing a return, having only made eight appearances for United this season.

The 26-year-old will not be ready in time to face Derby County in the FA Cup fifth round tie at Pride Park on Thursday night, or Sunday's Manchester derby at Old Trafford.

Pogba has not played since being introduced as a substitute in the win against Newcastle on Boxing Day and his return has been persistently delayed.

But Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said on Wednesday that Pogba remains on course to return soon and is close to training with his team-mates again.

“Paul’s still working with the physios outside and he won’t be training with the first team until next week,” he said.

“Then let’s see how long that will take, he needs time to get his football fitness back.”

As well as Pogba, United are also likely to be without Daniel James and Aaron Wan-Bissaka due to “little niggles” while Marcus Rashford is a long-term absentee.

“Marcus and Paul are still out and I think Aaron might be struggling,” Solskjaer said. “He’s got a test today but he struggled in our last game against Everton with his back, so he might be out.”

Sergio Romero is United's cup goalkeeper but Solskjaer insisted he would be willing to play first-choice David de Gea at Pride Park.

“Well it’s not a given [that he’ll play], of course, but Sergio has done well in the games he has played, definitely.

“But I have no qualms about playing David in every game to be fair, because what he's done and his performances they've been great.”