Aniket Rai
Axel Tuanzebe started against Sheffield United due to Eric Bailly injury
Speaking to MUTV (h/t Manchester Evening News), Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer revealed that an injury to Eric Bailly forced him to start Axel Tuanzebe against Sheffield United.
Solskjaer mentioned earlier this week that the Ivorian was rested against Liverpool in the FA Cup due to a minor knock. Victor Lindelof started instead, but Bailly was scheduled to be fit for the game against the Blades.
However, the former Villarreal man was injured again in training this week. The Norwegian stated that Tuanzebe was called up to the side due to that fresh knock to Bailly.
“Eric was down to play this game but he had a bang yesterday, he’s sore and bruised and that’s unfortunate for him.”
Victor Lindelof continues to be troubled by a back issue he encountered over a year ago. United have been managing his game time so he was rested on Wednesday as he played against Liverpool in the FA Cup.
“It’s a chance for him [Tuanzebe], he’s been patient, played some cup games and Champions League. We wanted to rest Victor again,”
Eric Bailly injury a new worry
The match turned out to be a nightmare. Sheffield United went in front twice, as a 74th-minute winner was enough to hand them a 2-1 win.
Unfortunately, due to no fault of his own, the 23-year-old centre-back was in the thick of the action for the Blades winner. A straight shot by Oliver Burke was deflected into the net by Tuanzebe.
The loss meant that United spurned the chance to go top of the Premier League table. Rivals Manchester City remain on top, with the Red Devils being just a point behind.
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United now face Arsenal on Saturday. The extent of Bailly’s injury is yet to be confirmed by the club but Lindelof could make a comeback to the playing XI considering he was rested midweek.
