Solskjaer names two players who need to step up and improve under him.
Manchester United will be happy to pick up a draw against Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday. But, Solskjaer has provided fitness update about the squad which will see ten players staying out of the contention for the clash against Crystal Palace.
During the first half, Ander Herrera, Juan Mata, and Jesse Lingard were forced to be substituted due to injuries. Marcus Rashford was another player injured, but he was forced to stay on the pitch because of the Norwegian’s hands were tied after making all three substitutions in the first half.
The English International is enjoying a great revival under the management of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, but he looks certain to miss out for Wednesday clash. Apart from these four, Nemanja Matic, Matteo Darmian, Phil Jones, Anthony Martial, and Mason Greenwood are already on the sidelines with injuries.
Ole has provided an update on the health of nine #MUFC men ahead of #CRYMUN…
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 26, 2019
#MUFC likely to be without as many as 10 players against #CPFC. Lingard, Martial, Matic, Herrera, Mata, Jones, Valencia, Darmian, Greenwood all ruled out by Solskjaer. Rashford still being assessed but doesn’t look good at this stage. Pogba only fit member of first choice front 6
— James Ducker (@TelegraphDucker) February 26, 2019
These injuries mean that only Paul Pogba will be available in the preferred front six. By bringing all these injuries into consideration, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is wanting two of the out form players Alexis Sanchez and Romelu Lukaku to find a way to rejuvenate themselves by contributing to the team.
The pair did whole damage to Arsenal in the FA Cup when Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford was kept on the bench. Alexis Sanchez scored two goals, whilst Romelu Lukaku set up the Chilean and Jesse Lingard in the first half. When they take up the field on Wednesday, Solskjaer will be hoping for the same.
“It’s a chance for them to play to their potential, reputation is one thing, the potential is high and I’m sure that because the two of them are good mates,”
“They link up well together, so this might be a chance for them two to find some form and give a selection headache for when everyone gets fit again.
“Rom created our two biggest chances against Liverpool, it’s a different position for him, I know, because Rashy’s injury meant we had to rely on him standing up there and running in behind.
“He couldn’t do too much defending work, so Rom’s attitude and work rate was fantastic and the two chances – Jesse’s and Chris at the end – was Rom’s doing.
“They linked up between them against Arsenal in the FA Cup so hopefully Alexis and Rom can step up.” said Solskjaer.
Manchester United could be without up to nine senior players against Crystal Palace. so Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has challenged Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez to “step up.”
More: https://t.co/0kTuQXWaE2 pic.twitter.com/xZvecnakvF
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) February 26, 2019
The extent of the injuries has not yet been known for all the above-mentioned players. Manchester United will travel to London as they prepare to take on Crystal Palace on Wednesday followed by the clash against Southampton on Old Trafford three days later.