Solskjaer's team news for Hammers cup tie

The Manchester United boss was speaking to club media on Monday afternoon and confirmed that he expects both Eric Bailly and Phil Jones to be absent when we host the Hammers in the fifth round, along with Paul Pogba.

“Eric is getting better. He's still not available for the Cup game tomorrow we don't think,” said Ole. “He's been out on the grass and training and we'll make a decision tomorrow. I don't think he'll be involved.

“Everyone [else] is available and trained this morning, apart from Phil [Jones] who's still out.”

Ole also gave an update on the extent of the thigh-muscle injury Pogba picked up in Saturday’s 3-3 draw with Everton at the weekend, which rules him out of action.

As for Bailly and Jones, their absence will be a disappointment to the Norwegian.

The Ivorian last featured for the Reds in our Premier League win over Fulham last month and has missed our last five games in all competitions.

As for Jones, he is yet to play for the Reds this season having undergone an operation in the summer. However, our no.4 is targeting a return and was included in our Premier League squad for the second half of the 2020/21 term.

“I wish to get him back into the squad as quick as I can,” Ole said recently about Jones’s recovery.

“He’s a solid citizen and one of those you can trust. He’s been working so hard to get back, [he's] had a couple of setbacks but, hopefully, we can get some good use [out of him].”

With Bailly and Jones being unavailable, that leaves United with three fit centre-backs to choose from in Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Axel Tuanzebe – although Luke Shaw has lined up as part of a three-man backline at points this season.

As for the Hammers, Tomas Soucek is available for selection after his red card against Fulham on Saturday was overturned, although on-loan Red Jesse Lingard cannot play against his parent club on Tuesday night.