Ole's team news for Leicester test
Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looks set to make wholesale changes for the visit of Leicester City to Old Trafford on Tuesday.
The 18:00 BST kick-off comes hot on the heels of the superb 3-1 victory at Aston Villa, with a big home game against Liverpool just around the corner, on Thursday night.
Ole has made it clear he has been left with no option but to rotate his players for the arduous schedule.
Watch Ole’s pre-Leicester press conference
Solskjaer speaks to the media ahead of our second game in this jam-packed five days of Premier League fixtures…
Although several youngsters could be in the frame for an outing, there are a number of more experienced players who will be hoping for a start.
An update is awaited on the extent of Harry Maguire's ankle injury but it would appear likely that the skipper is to miss out on another reunion with his former club. Eric Bailly came on for the captain at Villa Park, and Axel Tuanzebe is also an option for an outing in the middle of defence.
Daniel James is doubtful while Anthony Martial is presumably not yet ready for a return.
Amad, Shola Shoretire, Hannibal and Anthony Elanga are among the Under-23s players in contention to be involved, and another is Will Fish after his recent promotion to the B list in the Europa League and the fact that the Reds may be a little light in defence.
“They [Amad and Shoretire] are in contention, yeah, definitely and they’re in the first-team squad," confirmed Ole. "They’re training with us every day so I would think that some of the young boys will get an appearance definitely. If it’s coming on towards the end or starting, I don’t know because I don’t know how the players will be on Tuesday when we see them.”
The boss is unable to make any decisions on his selection until closer to kick-off time and he will lean on the advice of our sports scientists.
“I wish I could have said let's go full out in all the games," he admitted. "But it’s impossible. That’s the hard bit for me – knowing that if I do play the same XI again on Tuesday and Thursday, it’s impossible.
“I run too much of a risk of injuries so talking about integrity in the league and stuff, don’t blame me when I have to make changes, because I have to. It’s not safe for them to play all four, so I’ve got to prioritise.”
LEICESTER TEAM NEWS
Jonny Evans was injured during the warm-up to the surprise 4-2 defeat to Newcastle United on Friday and may miss out on a return to Old Trafford.
James Justin and Harvey Barnes are both out for the season and, despite the Emirates FA Cup final due to take place at the weekend against Chelsea, the Foxes will need to field a strong side with their top-four place suddenly appearing under threat.