Scholes missing from United training

Paul Scholes was the most notable absentee from training this morning ahead of Manchester United’s Europa League last-16 tie with Athletic Bilbao.

The veteran midfielder might not have expected to be involved anyway after starting Sunday’s Premier League win at Tottenham.

Fellow midfielder Tom Cleverley was training, hinting at a potential comeback after his recent ankle injury.

Chris Smalling also seemed to have recovered from the cut head he sustained on England duty last week.

There was no sign of Michael Owen, although Antonio Valencia trained on his own as he continues his recovery from a hamstring strain.

Meanwhile, youngster Paul Pogba was training with the reserves who were not involved in last night’s second-string encounter with West Brom, further fuelling reports he has agreed to join Juventus in the summer.

Michael Carrick admits United will have to find the answer to their depressing European home form if they are to squeeze past the Spanish outfit.

Normally so strong at Old Trafford, United have won just once – against Romanian unknowns Otelul Galati – in four games this season.

They failed to hold onto a two-goal lead against Basle in September, which Sir Alex Ferguson felt cost them their Champions League place and last month they almost threw away an aggregate three-goal lead to Ajax.

The Red Devils must not falter this time around, for Athletic’s formidable European home record this season – three wins and a draw from four games - suggests any deficit will not be overcome in Bilbao next week.

“I am not sure why our home form in Europe has not been so good,” said Carrick.

“It is a tough one. We haven’t quite performed compared to recent years, when our home form has been formidable.

“That is the reason why we are talking about the Europa League.

“Bilbao is a tough place to go so we need to perform well at home to give us a chance in the away leg.”