Team news ahead of United v Leeds
Edinson Cavani came through training on Friday and should be fit to face Leeds United at the weekend, according to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
The Uruguayan has missed the Reds’ last three games in all competitions, after departing our 3-1 win over West Ham United on 5 December early, with a groin issue.
However, we can exclusively confirm that he is in line for a return, as we renew our rivalry with the Yorkshire outfit at Old Trafford on Sunday.
“Edinson will be available, I think, yeah,” Ole told club media on Friday afternoon.
“He trained this morning so he should be available for the Leeds game.
“I don’t think we lost anyone [during the win over Sheffield United]. When you win games, the boys never feel the little knocks and bruises too badly.”
With Leeds being the second of six games United face over a hectic 15-day period over Christmas, squad rotation will be key.
Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire have featured as a pair in all but one of our Premier League games this season, and Ole admitted that, while the duo are thriving on the responsibility, Eric Bailly and Axel Tuanzebe are available to take some of the pressure off, if necessary.
“Victor and Harry have been very consistent, I thought, last season as well, they were excellent,” Ole said, in a press conference conducted in Sheffield on Thursday.
“Eric and Axel had small injuries but are available for us and, for Leeds, I hope so. So let’s see what we do.
“Obviously, Harry played the most minutes in European football last season, I think. I think he’s enjoying playing.
“Victor is maturing, growing and getting more and more used to the demands of the Premier League.
“They’ve been very consistent and I’m very happy with them. It might come to the point where they’ve got to rest, of course.”
United's only current absentees are defenders Marcos Rojo and Phil Jones, both of whom are expected to return to fitness in the new year.
United v Leeds: A rivalry resumes
ArticleEverything you need to know about Sunday's match, including TV info, team news and form guide.
LEEDS TEAM NEWS
The Whites are likely to be without two key defenders when they make the trip across the Pennines. Diego Llorente is still being assessed after suffering a muscle issue at the start of the month, while fellow summer signing Robin Koch is out until at least February, after undergoing knee surgery.
Long-term absentees Adam Forshaw (groin/hip) and Gaetano Berardi are also out, but otherwise it's looking like a full squad for Bielsa's side, with on-loan Manchester City winger Jack Harrison afforded an opportunity to feature against United, whom he represented at youth level between 2003 and 2010.