Paul Pogba found a way to play after all.

The embattled Manchester United midfielder emerged as an early substitute for the injured Ander Herrera early in Wednesday's match against Sevilla after initially being dropped to the bench.

Jose Mourinho began the Champions League encounter with Herrera in a midfield three with Scott McTominay and Nemanja Matic.

Pogba - who missed last weekend's FA Cup win over Huddersfield Town due to sickness - was expected to start the first leg after returning to training on Tuesday.

Mourinho dismissed rumours that his relationship with the Frenchman is strained, but that didn't prevent the Portuguese from dropping the £89-million signing.

The 24-year-old eventually stepped onto the pitch in the 17th minute with the majority of last-16 tie ahead of him.

It's a golden opportunity for Pogba, who's struggled for form since the beginning of the new year. He was benched for United's Premier League clash against Huddersfield after a poor showing at Tottenham, and later substituted in a 1-0 defeat to Newcastle United.