Ole explains De Gea absence

Our no.1 played in midweek against Paris Saint-Germain, but is still being a little troubled by the injury he sustained in the comeback victory at Southampton

Ole was asked about De Gea's absence before kick-off and he had this to say to Sky Sports and club media.

"The injury he had after Southampton has flared up a little bit so we didn’t want to take a risk with David so we kept him at home," explained the boss.

"Hopefully we can have him ready for the Leipzig game."

That means that it's a first start for Dean Henderson in the Premier League for United. Our Academy product made his league debut for the Reds against Southampton last weekend, when De Gea was forced off at half-time at St Mary's.

The 23-year-old England international had played 37 Premier League matches before the encounter at the London Stadium, with 36 of them coming during his loan spell at Sheffield United last season.

Ole also discussed his reasons for Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford being named on the bench against the Hammers.

"Bruno has been kicked between pillar and post lately,"continued Ole. "He got a kick against Southampton and has had a sore foot, so he’s another one that if I don’t have to use him I’d like not to.

"Marcus is fit enough to be on the bench," he added. "We need all the points we can get in these games of course and Marcus held his arm up, with a bad shoulder, and he’s said he’s ready if needed.

"Every time you pick a team you’ve got to think short term and win that one, but with a little bit of an eye on the next few games," he added.

"With David, Bruno and Marcus we didn’t take the risk today even though we know this is an unbelievably tough place [to come] and tough team to play against."