Solskjaer reveals team news for United v RB Leipzig
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says Manchester United will have virtually a full squad to choose from for Wednesday’s UEFA Champions League match against RB Leipzig.
Centre-back Eric Bailly and midfielder Jesse Lingard are likely to be the only absentees for the Group H clash, meaning that, barring any late incidents, the likes of Edinson Cavani and Mason Greenwood should be available to play.
Of course, Anthony Martial is also available for selection despite his domestic ban still being in force, while Alex Telles and Axel Tuanzebe could be called upon.
The pair impressed during our win over PSG last week, but sat out the 0-0 draw with Chelsea in the Premier League on Saturday.
“It’s more or less the same squad”, Ole told reporters at his pre-match press conference.
“There are a couple of doubts, as you normally have after a weekend game, a tight game as we had against Chelsea.
“I think we’ve more or less the same squad.”
Fred and Scott McTominay have been partnered in midfield for each of United’s three games since the international break, with Paul Pogba, Nemanja Matic and Donny van de Beek having to settle for places on the bench.
Solskjaer emphasised how tough it was to leave such experienced players out, but hinted that the trio could get their chance in coming games as he looks to rotate and protect his side from the brutal autumn schedule.
“It’s going to be a long season,” added Ole. “Of course, the depth of our squad is better now.
“It’s hard to leave players out like the last game with Donny, Nemanja and Paul to start on the bench, as midfielders they are all experienced international footballers.
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“It’s not easy but then, as I’ve said, we have so many games this season, they are all going to play a big, massive part in different periods of the season. I don’t think anyone is able to play all of them.
“There’s a balance when you put 11 together, it’s all important we all work well as a team – is it three or four or two?
“All sorts of discussions and who is on form and who maybe needs a break. All these little things.”
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RB LEIPZIG TEAM NEWS
Julian Nagelsmann will provide an update in his press conference later today, but it seems likely that Lukas Klostermann and Konrad Laimer (both knee) will have to sit out the Red Bulls' first-ever meeting with United. Midfielders Tyler Adams and Nordi Mukiele are also doubts.
Former Crystal Palace forward Alexander Sorloth enjoyed a prolific 2019/20 campaign at Trabzonspor and joined RB Leipzig in the summer. He started for the first time at the weekend and could partner Yussuf Poulsen up front, depending on which system Julian Nagelsmann chooses to employ.
French defender Ibrahima Konate is also back in the reckoning - he has appeared twice for the Red Bulls in the past week, after an injury-hit 12 months which has seen him limited to just one 90-minute outing since September 2019.
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