Paul Pogba set for Manchester United return as Juan Mata guides Alejandro Garnacho

Injury-hit Manchester United have put their final preparations in place as attentions turn to relegation-threatened Norwich City this Saturday afternoon (3pm). Three points are a necessity for United against the Canaries if they are to keep their dwindling top-four hopes alive.

During his pre-match press conference, Ralf Rangnick confirmed that United will be without Raphael Varane, Luke Shaw, Scott McTominay, Fred and Edinson Cavani through injury. Those absences have presented academy starlet Alejandro Garnacho with an opportunity to join the matchday squad.

The teenager was spotted at the club's pre-match Lowry Hotel base. Before that, Garnacho was among those who took part in a senior training session at Carrington.

READ MORE: Manchester United squad vs Norwich City includes Alejandro Garnachjo

Central midfield was already a hot topic at Old Trafford as key figures in the boardroom prepare to step up plans to recruit in that position this summer. However, it remains an issue for the here and now, too, as Fred and McTominay miss out through injury. Then you can factor in that shock announcement from Nemanja Matic which draws an end to his time as a United player. It looks as though he will be partnered by Paul Pogba against Norwich as he was seen being put through his paces in a rondo-type exercise.

The shock announcement from Matic signals further change that is coming at United. With a new manager, namely Ajax coach Erik ten Hag, on the way and players such as Pogba, Jesse Lingard and Juan Mata set to leave, it was the latter who took academy sensation Garnacho under his wing before and during the session.

Garnacho and other members of the next generation must be pinching themselves right now. Okay, so things may