Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Confirmed: Team news for the Nou Camp

Monday 15 April 2019 16:54

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has called on his attacking players to rediscover their best form for the Champions League quarter-final second leg at Barcelona.

The Reds trail 1-0 from the first game last week but Alexis Sanchez is part of the squad again, after recovering from a knee injury.

The former Barcelona forward will be itching for an opportunity to put one over his former club and really kickstart his campaign after a stop-start few months.

"Alex has been here and played here so it's a big night for him," said Ole at his press conference at the Nou Camp, scene of his greatest moment as a player. "When he's on the pitch, I'm sure he wants to prove a point.

"He wants to prove a point for us as well, because he's been injured, he's not had a fantastic season so far and let's hope he can end it great for us because we are at the business end.

"Let's hope Alexis, when he's on the pitch, can be happy with his performance."

Alexis Sanchez is available again for selection after his knee injury.

Nemanja Matic provided a boost by being available for the trip, after his recent spell out, and Scott McTominay is also a strong candidate for a midfield spot after the in-form Scotland international was able to conserve his energy when left on the bench for the 2-1 victory over West Ham United

When asked about his attacking choices, Ole said: "It's very important. We need to score goals. If Romelu [Lukaku], Marcus [Rashford], Jesse [Lingard], Anthony [Martial] or Alexis play, we need a big performance. Paul [Pogba] as well, from all our forward players.

"We have to defend but we have to have that little bit of extra to score goals against teams like this. I expect whoever is going to start tomorrow, when they're on the pitch, to know I want to see some good form. Of course, we have to."

Luke Shaw is suspended but Ashley Young returns after his domestic ban at the weekend, providing another option to play at left-back.

Eric Bailly and Ander Herrera remain sidelined while young striker Mason Greenwood, who came on as a substitute on Saturday, did not travel with the squad.

Luke Shaw has travelled with the squad but is out through suspension.

Barcelona appear to have no selection concerns, with Ousmane Dembele fit again and available to start after being an unused substitute in the first leg.

"Dembele is one of the quickest that our defenders can play against," commented Solskjaer.

Sergio Roberto and Ivan Rakitic had knocks after the Old Trafford tie but have trained with the group and are ready to be picked again by coach Ernesto Valverde. Lionel Messi does not seem to have suffered any ill effects from the nasal and facial injury he sustained from Chris Smalling's hard, but fair, challenge.

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