Manchester United: Mourinho upset over tackle on Fellaini, McTominay and Tuanzebe included for CSKA Moscow trip

The midfielder's absence will be a blow to United after emerging as a mainstay this season following Paul Pogba's injury

Marouane Fellaini
Marouane Fellaini has been in inspired form for Manchester United this season Reuters

Manchester United are fuming over a tackle that has ruled Marouane Fellaini out of their Champions League trip to Moscow.

Fellaini did not travel with the squad for Wednesday's group stage tie because of the injury that has infuriated Jose Mourinho and his staff.

Also read: Manchester United: Ban on Jose Mourinho will be 'an absolute joke' says Bryan Robson

Southampton's Shane Long raked his studs down the back of Fellaini's left ankle during United's 1-0 win at the St Mary's Stadium on Saturday.

The challenge went unpunished, which has upset United, because Fellaini is now not only out of tomorrow's game but may also miss United's Premier League clash against Crystal Palace on Saturday.

The Belgium international will undergo further medical tests this week to determine the extent of the damage, amid fears he could be sidelined for several games, according to the Mirror. With Paul Pogba out with a hamstring injury, Fellaini had emerged as Mourinho's go-to man in central midfield, with the United boss having placed his faith and trust in the Belgium international.

That meant Scott McTominay and Axel Tuanzebe were able to join Romelu Lukaku and Marcus Rashford on the flight from Manchester Airport. Midfielder McTominay, 20, featured heavily during the club's pre-season campaign and featured in the 4-1 win over Burton in the Carabao Cup last week, as reported by the Sun.

Fellaini's enforced loss has opened the door to United skipper Michael Carrick, who has been a peripheral figure so far this season, and Ander Herrera, who has also been pushed out of the picture by the arrival of Nemanja Matic from Chelsea.

Juan Mata and Jesse Lingard also made the trip with Jose Mourinho. United will be looking to maintain their strong start to Group A, after they beat FC Basel in the opening match of their Champions League campaign.

Mourinho will also be happy with the news he will not face a further sanction from the FA after being sent away from the touchline during United's 1-0 win over Southampton on Saturday.

But the impressive Fellaini is a blow for the Portuguese, after the big Belgian showed he can be a big part of Mourinho's plans with a strong start to the season for United.

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