Ole Gunnar Solskjaer instructs his players at Newcastle.

Solskjaer delivers positive team news

Friday 01 February 2019 08:45

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has delivered his team news bulletin ahead of Manchester United’s Premier League trip to Leicester City.

The caretaker manager is optimistic that Paul Pogba and Anthony Martial will both be available for Sunday's test against Claude Puel’s men. Pogba appeared to sustain a knock in the 2-2 draw with Burnley, while Martial missed that encounter due to an injury he picked up in training.

Anthony Martial and Paul Pogba could both feature at the King Power Stadium.

“We've not had a proper session since the game, so hopefully both of them can get through that,” said Solskjaer. “I don't think there's anything with Paul. Anthony has done some rehab work, so he will try a session today, so I would imagine he would be available to be involved. He seemed happy yesterday.”

Marcos Rojo remains sidelined but fellow centre-back Chris Smalling was fit enough to be on the bench on Tuesday, following his lay-off with a toe problem.

Ander Herrera and former Leicester loanee Jesse Lingard could return to the starting line-up while there are plenty of options open to Solskjaer as the Reds travel to the East Midlands in good heart, as the late fightback against the Clarets preserved Ole's unbeaten run in charge.

"I watched their game [against Liverpool] on Wednesday and it is a team full of energy and pace," said the Norwegian at his pre-match press conference.

"So of course, they defend well, because they drop back and defend, so it's hard to break them down and they've got the pace up front with [Jamie] Vardy, [Demarai] Gray, [James] Maddison, [Marc] Albrighton.

"[Also] Leicester beat Chelsea. So it's going to be a tough challenge, but we like challenges."

Leicester goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel celebrates their equaliser against Liverpool.

Leicester, who will be without Daniel Amartey due to a broken ankle, made an interesting signing on transfer deadline day. The Foxes brought in Youri Tielemans on loan from Monaco - he impressed against the Reds during the two Europa League ties with Anderlecht in 2017. Adrien Silva moved in the opposite direction and Andy King departed to join Derby County on loan.

Former United defender Jonny Evans was chosen to partner Harry Maguire, the goalscorer on the night, in the 1-1 draw at Liverpool, a result that again showed the quality of the Foxes, particularly against the division's biggest teams.

Reading this in our app? If not, you might miss some exclusive features not found on ManUtd.com. Download the Official App here.

Recommended: