Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

United v West Ham: The early team news

Monday 08 February 2021 11:43

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is waiting to hear more about the fitness of Paul Pogba, as the Reds prepare to take on West Ham United in the Emirates FA Cup fifth round on Tuesday.

The Frenchman departed the 3-3 draw with Everton at the weekend, after pulling up injured on 39 minutes.

Our no.6 was replaced by Fred, and Solskjaer confirmed in his post-match interview that Pogba had an issue with his thigh, which would require further examination.

“It seemed like a muscle injury, his thigh,” Ole told reporters after the final whistle at Old Trafford on Saturday.

“So we’ve just got to check him up tomorrow [Sunday], do a scan and see how serious it is. I hope it’s not too bad but he couldn’t carry on so I had to take him off.”

The latest news on Pogba's injury

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The boss gave further detail on the issue which forced Paul off during the first half against Everton.

Ole is expected to provide a further update on Paul when he talks to club media later on Monday afternoon - keep your eyes on our official club channels.

Aside from the fitness of the 27-year-old, and defender Eric Bailly, who missed out on the matchday squad on Saturday, Solskjaer's main selection decisions could revolve around rotation, with a Premier League trip to West Brom on the horizon for the weekend, before European football returns with the Europa League first leg against Real Sociedad in San Sebastian scheduled next Thursday.

Goalkeeper Dean Henderson has started all six of United's domestic cup matches this season, and he also played in December's 3-1 victory over the Hammers at the London Stadium.

While Solskjaer opted to make 10 changes to his side for the third-round victory over Watford in this competition, our 3-2 success against Liverpool a fortnight ago featured a more modest five alterations. With West Ham riding high in the Premier League table, it's likely a similar policy will be adopted this time around.

Alex Telles and Donny van de Beek have been involved in the FA Cup this season, while Nemanja Matic and Anthony Martial will be fresh, with the pair unused substitutes against Carlo Ancelotti's side.

NEWS FROM THE HAMMERS’ CAMP

Jesse Lingard will have to wait to build on the impressive start he's made to his loan spell in the capital. The 28-year-old netted twice for the Londoners on debut against Aston Villa, but can't play in midweek as he is cup tied.

Midfielder Tomas Soucek is available after his three-match ban was overturned for wrongful dismissal. The in-form Czech had initially been handed the suspension after his elbow on Aleksandar Mitrovic during the 0-0 draw with Fulham was judged to be violent conduct. Foward Michail Antonio played 74 minutes at Craven Cottage, but may require a rest, according to manager David Moyes.

"He's still fatigued so it'll be a close call whether he makes it or not,” said Moyes. “We'll need to assess him tomorrow to see if he's able to play or not.”

Full-back Arthur Masuaku is still out with a long-term knee injury.

Get the official matchday programme for Tuesday's tie.

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