Early team news for Bournemouth

The Reds have won both games since Solskjaer took charge but Anthony Martial joined Alexis Sanchez and Romelu Lukaku on the sidelines when being taken ill over the Christmas period. United still proved too powerful for Huddersfield Town, recording a 3-1 victory, but reinforcements are on the way for the clash against the Cherries, who were beaten 5-0 at Tottenham Hotspur on Boxing Day.

When asked by MUTV if anybody was coming back for the next game, Ole replied:"Hopefully the front three with Romelu, Alexis and Anthony – that is not a bad three to have ready. So towards the end [of a game], when you are 2-0 up, 3-0 up, if you can put players with pace on, then that makes a difference.

"So when you score three at home but you know you have three lads awaiting to get on, then that’s great."

Matteo Darmian, Chris Smalling, Marcos Rojo, Antonio Valencia and Scott McTominay were not involved against Huddersfield but the picture is beginning to look rosy, with Angel Gomes coming off the bench on Wednesday to show Ole's commitment to youth.

Alexis has been sidelined since the goalless draw with Crystal Palace in November but has been working hard to get back in action.

"I spoke to Alexis," Solskjaer said to reporters. "He's back. He came in and had two days of good fitness work. Hopefully, he can join training with the ball as soon as we get back in again now. He's touch and go for Bournemouth but probably, well definitely, be involved against Newcastle [on 2 January].

"I don't have time to sit down and speak in that detail [about his confidence] but we had Christmas Day off and he was in training, eager to get back on the pitch. He's a workaholic, it seems like."

Reading this in our app? If not, you might miss some exclusive features not found on ManUtd.com. Download the Official App here.