Manchester United could be without five first-team stars ahead of the match against Newcastle
According to the Daily Star, Manchester United could face Newcastle United sans five first-team stars later tonight.
The likes of Paul Pogba, Edinson Cavani, Scott McTominay, Donny van de Beek and Phil Jones could all miss out tonight. While the latter two haven’t been instrumental this season, the others have played key roles during the course of the campaign.
McTominay started the game against Real Sociedad midweek but came off at the hour mark for Nemanja Matic. Solskjaer had revealed before the game that the player was nursing a muscle injury. Whether the withdrawal in Turin was precautionary or if there is anything more sinister remains to be seen.
The absence of Pogba and Cavani is, however, more jarring. The duo has stepped up this season and scored a number of key goals.
Pogba was instrumental in our wins over Burnley and Fulham as the Red Devils put up an unexpected title challenge. The Frenchman is now expected to be out till March in what has been a frustrating setback.
With him and potentially McTominay absent, the onus to create from midfield will once again fall on the shoulders of Bruno Fernandes. The 26-year-old has stepped up so far and will hopefully continue to do so.
Mixed fortunes for summer signings!
Both Cavani and Van de Beek did not make the trip to Turin midweek and appear to be a doubt for later tonight as well. The Uruguayan striker has proven to be an excellent signing, especially so given the poor form of Anthony Martial. (h/t Express)
Jones, meanwhile, has not made an appearance for the club this season and is much lower down the pecking order.
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While having to take the field sans our best players is not ideal, we should have enough in our locker to see off Newcastle. The absence of such players could also give those below them an order to impress going into the business end of the season.
Playing at home, Solskjaer must ensure that the momentum gained by defeating Sociedad is carried forward to the Premier League starting tonight.
