Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

Early team news for West Brom v Man United

Thursday 11 February 2021 15:00

Manchester United will look to enjoy Valentine's Day by picking up three points at West Brom on Sunday.

The weekend trip to The Hawthorns presents the opportunity for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men to complete the double over the Baggies, following a hard-fought 1-0 win at Old Trafford last November, when Bruno Fernandes's penalty separated the two sides.

Although Sam Allardyce's side are struggling in the relegation zone, it could end up being a similarly tense afternoon.

Solskjaer will be without Paul Pogba, after the midfielder picked up a thigh injury that is set to sideline him for a few weeks. Eric Bailly has not played since the 2-1 win at Fulham on 20 January, while the boss is likely to recall at least some of the regulars who did not start the Emirates FA Cup victory over West Ham United, even if extra-time in that game could be a factor.

Hence, Luke Shaw, Fernandes, Tuesday's goalscorer Scott McTominay and Edinson Cavani may earn recalls, while the other used substitute in midweek, Brandon Williams, did his claims no harm with a promising cameo. Dean Henderson made another start and kept out the Hammers as David De Gea has tended to be rested for the cup matches.

New recruit Amad was on the bench and it will be interesting to see if he features for the Under-23s again, in Friday night's live MUTV against Arsenal.

NEWS FROM THE ALBION CAMP

Sam Johnstone, who won the FA Youth Cup with United a decade ago, performed well in the corresponding fixture at Old Trafford and will be out to frustrate his former club again.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles has arrived from Arsenal, and played in midfield at Tottenham last time out, with Mbaye Diagne leading the attack after becoming another of Allardyce's five additions during the window. Robert Snodgrass is available, he only missed the recent match with West Ham due to a prior arrangement between the clubs when making the transfer, while Grady Diangana is the only confirmed injury doubt.

Video
See Sam Johnstone in action against United at Old Trafford.

WHEN WILL WE HEAR FROM THE MANAGER?

Ole will hold his regular pre-match press conference at the Aon Training Complex on Friday. We will run it in full at 13:30 GMT on ManUtd.com and the Official App.

Remember the boss always provides us with a one-to-one interview as well and we should receive an update on the team news front. 

Recommended: