OLE Gunnar Solskjaer’s squad for the trip to Leicester has a somewhat depleted look to it – with a host of stars set to miss Saturday’s clash.
But there is a welcome boost with Marcus Rashford set to be included in the squad for the first time this season after undergoing shoulder surgery in the summer.
With first choice centre-backs Harry Maguire and Raphael Varane out injured SunSport takes a look at who could feature for Solskjaer on Saturday.
Victor Lindelof is likely to keep his place from the draw against Everton, with Eric Bailly or Phil Jones set to come in for the stricken Varane.
Paul Pogba may also be promoted to the starting line-up and play a holding role in the absence of Fred who will not return from international duty with Brazil in time.
Anthony Martial could keep his place in the front four after scoring against Everton last time out, with Ronaldo expected to lead the line after being dropped against Everton.
CR7 scored a hat-trick in Portugal’s 5-0 win over Luxembourg on Tuesday and stormed down the tunnel after starting the 1-1 draw against Everton from the bench – so a recall is likely.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of the trip to Leicester, Solskjaer said: “[During the] internationals sometimes, it’s a time to cross your fingers.
“Raphael is out for a few weeks. Victor [Lindelof] and Eric [Bailly] played and got good game time.
“Fred and Edinson [Cavani] played a full game but we’re not counting on them and giving them time to recover. Harry [Maguire] also had his first time on the grass, so we look quite strong.
“[Marcus] Rashford is in the squad. I can’t tell you if he will start but has worked really hard. Has been bright this week. Fit and raring to go.”
Alternatively Solskjaer could opt to change things up with a 4-3-3 formation.
Bruno could play a slightly deeper role than usual in the absence of Fred, with Rashford chucked straight back into the starting line-up.
Jesse Lingard’s decent run of form from the bench could possibly be rewarded with a starting berth, with Matic deployed in the anchor role.
And Jadon Sancho’s impressive performance against Andorra for England may have done enough for him to be recalled to Solskajer’s starting side after starting the last three Prem games on the bench.
Jones could also be selected ahead of Bailly in the absence of Varane.
And Alex Telles could play at left-back after Luke Shaw played 90 minutes in England’s drab 1-1 against Hungary on Tuesday.
Edinson Cavani will not be in the squad after travelling back from international duty with Uruguay.
Solskjaer will be hoping his side can return to winning ways after two Prem games without a win.
They have a busy few weeks await before the next international break in November.
After the trip to Leicester, United take on Liverpool, Tottenham and Manchester City in their next three Premier League games.
And also sandwiched between those games are home and away ties against Atalanta in the Champions League.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
