Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be sweating on the big names as a host of key players are at risk of missing out on United’s do-or-die Champions League clash in Germany.
The fitness of United’s David De Gea, Edinson Cavani and Anthony Martial are a bit of a conundrum ahead of their must-win clash against RB Leipzig on Tuesday night.
De Gea missed out on the Red Devils’ defeat of West Ham at the weekend while Cavani was substituted at half time and Martial just past the hour with respective muscle issues.
All three will be waiting to be certified fit to play, with De Gea the far more likely of the trio to return in a game that could have big implications for the rest of United’s season.
Solskjaer’s side need at least a point in Germany to advance with themselves, Leipzig and PSG all bunched together on nine points through five games. The Red Devils are holding the head-to-head advantage over Julien Nagelsmann’s side after their 5-0 drubbing at Old Trafford at the end of October.
United’s Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford will be well rested after playing just the second half of the win in the capital, but Fred will be left out of the fixture through suspension after his red card against Paris Saint-Germain last week.
Mason Greenwood is back to goalscoring form against the Hammers and is integral to the team with United’s absentees in attack. The 19-year-old scored in his only Champions League start so far this season, which was the opener in the win over Leipzig on Matchday 2.
Nemanja Matic could be a possible replacement for Scott McTominay after the Scot had a difficult time last week fending off Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and company, while Paul Pogba is set to keep his place after his RPG hit set United on their way at West Ham.
Donny van de Beek is likely to start again in midfield having featured in all five Champions League games thus far.
United are desperate to return to the knockout stages of the Champions League having played in the Europa League last season, and they will be gunning for the win that will guarantee them of that spot in the last 16, come what may.