Manchester United players arrive at the Lowry hotel with manager Jose Mourinho ahead of derby clash after news of Paul Pogba injury

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Manchester United's players and staff have gathered at the Lowry hotel - temporary home of manager Jose Mourinho - ahead of Thursday night's derby clash with rivals City.

Mourinho led his charges up the steps into the five-star hotel, but among them was not the world's most expensive player, Paul Pogba.

Pogba is missing for the game, crucial in determining City and United's top four fates, because of a hamstring injury.

Manchester United arrived at the Lowry Hotel on Wednesday evening led by Jose Mourinho

Club captain Wayne Rooney carries his bags up the stairs at the five-star Manchester hotel

Young striker Marcus Rashford looks at ease under pressure, waving to the photographers

Fortunately for United supporters, many of their other stars were at the hotel and looking in good spirits.

Among them was Marcus Rashford, who has become key to United in their run-in after Zlatan Ibrahimovic's severe knee injury. The young striker gave a thumbs up to photographers and looked relaxed.

Also in the picture up front is Wayne Rooney, who seems increasingly likely to leave Old Trafford in the summer but who has showed he can still play an important part for the club this season.

He scored on Sunday in United's 2-0 win over Burnley, taking them into the derby clash on the back of a win, unlike City who lost in the FA Cup semi finals to Arsenal. 

David de Gea also seemed happy, and not distracted by talk of a £60million move to Real Madrid, with Mourinho already thought to be looking at other options. 

Goalkeeper David de Gea, who has been the subject of intense transfer speculation this week

Winger Jesse Lingard, who is in with a chance of starting in the major derby encounter

Henrikh Mkhitaryan carries his bags into the hotel, where the players are staying pre-match