Adam Johnson to miss Sunderland's game against Manchester United

Sunderland midfielder Adam Johnson will not be involved in Saturday’s Barclays Premier League clash with Manchester United, it is understood.

The 28-year-old is due to stand trial at Bradford Crown Court on Friday on two counts of sexually activity with a child – which he denies – after pleading guilty to one offence of grooming and another of sexual activity with a child.

The Black Cats had indicated last week that Johnson would be available for selection during the trial, although that was before he had admitted the two charges.

Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce confirmed Johnson's omission from the squad at his pre-match press conference on Thursday afternoon.

The 61-year-old said: “He’ll not be available for this weekend.”