Ole Gunnar Solskjaer speaks at United's pre-match press conference for the home game against AZ Alkmaar

Solskjaer's team news for Alkmaar clash

Wednesday 11 December 2019 10:04

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has spoken about his squad plans ahead of Manchester United's final game in Group L of the Europa League, against AZ Alkmaar.

The Reds need at least a point to confirm top spot in the table, and a place among the seeds in Monday's draw, with the Dutch visitors eyeing a victory that would take them above Ole's men.

After the morale-boosting wins over Tottenham and Manchester City in the Premier League, the spirit in the camp should be high for the Old Trafford encounter, which kicks off at 20:00 GMT.

Portuguese defender Diogo Dalot is back in full training.

"Diogo [Dalot] is back training fully," he told MUTV. "Nemanja [Matic] is back. [Marcos] Rojo is hopefully back next week. Eric [Bailly] and Timothy [Fosu-Mensah] are training with the team from next week onwards.

“We're getting better and better in that respect. In January, I reckon we will have many of them match fit."

The AZ game will come too soon for Paul Pogba, who is still recovering from an ankle problem.

"Paul is not ready to play but won't be far away," added the manager.

United fielded a very youthful line-up in the previous game in the group, at Astana, handing out six debuts, but there is likely to be more experience on show this time around. Indeed, Ole confirmed Matic will feature when speaking at his pre-match press conference, but Jesse Lingard sat out the training session afterwards.

James Garner was substituted during the Under-23s' 3-1 win over West Brom on Monday night to perhaps hint he could be involved, and the boss will be mindful of Sunday's upcoming league appointment against Everton.

AZ forward Myron Boadu is suspended and Greek defender Pantelis Hatzidiakos is sidelined with a knee injury.

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