Solskjaer announces team to play Norwich

Harry Maguire returns as captain, after missing the midweek Manchester derby, despite reports he would face a long spell on the sidelines with a hip injury.

Nemanja Matic and Fred form the defensive duo in midfield, freeing Andreas Pereira to move further forward - probably on the right flank, with Juan Mata favourite to occupy the no.10 slot. Of course, those two could easily switch position.

Anthony Martial spearheads the attack after an illness has restricted his involvement recently - he scored in the 3-1 win at Carrow Road in the reverse fixture.

Marcus Rashford makes his 200th appearance for the club, in all competitions, while Fred hits half a century in terms of his games for the Reds.

Luke Shaw, who has been absent since the win on Boxing Day against Newcastle,was initially named on the bench but pulled out with a tight hamstring, leaving Tahith Chong to take his place among the substitutes.

The manager revealed that he almost picked Maguire to face the Blues onTuesday night.

“We felt he was close to playing against City in the week, that’s why we gave him up to the last minute,” said Solskjaer. “He just couldn’t and he felt he couldn’t give 100 per cent but today he is ready.”

With four changes from the City match, the boss explained he wanted some freshness in his side to play Norwich.

“There is a bit of rotation, there’s fresh legs and fresh minds and some experience with Nemanja and Juan. Hopefully, we can get the benefit from that.”

With Rashford making his 200th senior appearance, his super-fast route to that incredible figure at only 22 years of age means only club legends George Best and Ryan Giggs got to that total quicker than the Mancunian striker.

“It is good company to be in,” reflected the manager. “He is a top talent. He works incredibly hard and works on his game all the time to try and improve. He doesn’t needs a rest and never asks for a rest. He just wants to go and go and go and keep going.

“Giggsy was playing until he was 41 so let’s keep Marcus focused on improving.”

United: De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Maguire (c), Williams; Fred, Matic; Andreas, Mata, Rashford; Martial.

Subs: Grant, Dalot, Jones, Gomes, James, Chong, Greenwood.

Norwich: Krul, Aarons, Hanley (c), Zimmermann, Byram, Tettey, Vrancic, Buendia, McLean, Cantwell, Idah.

Subs: Fahrmann, Lewis, Amadou, Trybull, Stiepermann, Hernandez, Leitner.

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