Manchester United may be without Bruno Fernandes for the visit of Liverpool on Sunday, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has revealed.
The Portuguese international has been a key figure again for United, netting four goals and assisting two this season in the league.
“We have two or three carrying knocks,” Solskjaer said on Friday. “Bruno [Fernandes] might be a doubt but he will do everything he can to get ready.”
United have not won a league game since mid-September and based on current form it looks as if that streak could continue when they play in-form Liverpool at Old Trafford.
On Wednesday, United mounted a comeback against Atalanta to win 3-2 after trailing by two goals, but pressure is starting to build on Solskjaer.
Although they possess a range of attacking threat, they have been defensively frail this season and injuries are starting build. The most notable absentee is Raphael Varane, who picked up a groin injury on international duty in the Nations League final. It was evident again on Wednesday that Victor Lindelof is not at the same level as the Frenchman, who is expected to be out until November.
Fred also sustained a hamstring injury during what was an intense game against the Italian side but fans will probably welcome a change in midfield in hope that it will result in a better functioning team.
“He’ll do everything he can to get ready,” Solskjaer said. “When he got injured last season it was supposed to be six to eight weeks but he was back for the Europa League final.”
Nemanja Matic is most likely to start next to Scott McTominay as he was the sub to replace Fred on Wednesday night. There may also be an opportunity for Donny van de Beek to step up to the plate. Fans’ frustration has grown because the Dutchman rarely gets a chance to impress; as shown by his solitary appearance as a substitute in the league this season.
Following the signing of Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho, Paul Pogba has found it difficult to fit into one position, albeit he does lead the league in assists (7). He has been deployed out on the left wing and also as one of the centre midfield pairing, neither one of which are his natural positions.
Marcus Rashford has hit the ground running, scoring against Leicester and Atalanta but is an injury doubt for the clash against Liverpool. After the Euros, Rashford underwent surgery on a persistent shoulder problem and will be desperate not to spend more time on the sidelines. Solskjaer is unsure about his forward’s current state, saying: “I don’t know. I hope [he will be fit] and I think so.
“It was a dead leg and sometimes it can take longer than what you want. But if we treat it well, he should be okay.”
David de Gea is likely to start following his great form in midweek, pulling off two consecutive late game saves to get United the much needed three points on Wednesday. There are no injury concerns between the full backs despite a demanding schedule for both Luke Shaw and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Harry Maguire was sluggish on his return from injury against Leicester, giving the ball away leading to a goal, but should start alongside Lindelof. He will need a much better performance if United are to avoid back-to-back defeats in the league.
Cristiano Ronaldo looks a nailed on starter but predicting who plays alongside the 36-year-old is difficult as United arguably have the best depth up front in the league.
Mason Greenwood has played a lot of minutes and could be rested with Jadon Sancho, who came on as a sub for the youngster in midweek, in contention.
Solskjaer revealed last week that Anthony Martial is not fit enough yet, which means Edinson Cavani will also be in the manager’s thoughts.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): De Gea; Shaw, Wan-Bissaka, Maguire, Lindelof; McTominay, Matic; Pogba, Fernandes, Sancho; Ronaldo
from Football – inews.co.uk https://ift.tt/3ptr2Dq
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