Solskjaer explains his United line-up

The boss was asked about the decision to leave midfielders Paul Pogba and Donny van de Beek on the bench, and start with three central defenders in Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire and fit-again Luke Shaw.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Alex Telles look set to operate at wing-back, with Nemanja Matic providing experience alongside Scott McTominay and Bruno Fernandes.

Marcus Rashford partners Mason Greenwood in attack, with Anthony Martial and Edinson Cavani both out injured.

"My decision tonight is obviously tactical," he told BT Sport, when asked about Pogba being on the bench. "We made a team decision a way [back], a bit before this game because we decided on Scott [McTominay] and Nemanja [Matic] in that midfield, before we played West Ham. We always think about the best XI for the team selection.

“Nothing," he replied, when asked if there had been any impact on the build-up, following quotes attributed to Pogba's agent Mino Raiola in the media. "The preparation has been good. We had a recovery session yesterday and a little bit of a walk-through today."

In a separate interview with club media, Ole told us: "We need a team that's flexible, a team with legs and we need experience because it's a big game, a knock-out game.

“With Luke being fit enough and available, it is a boost for us, with his pace. We know they've got a counter-attacking threat with pace in their players."