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Pogba, Fred, Varane- Early team news as Man United prepare for weekend derby

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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could be back at Manchester United under Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani.

Manchester United team news ahead of derby against Man City

According to team news delivered by the official website of the club, Manchester United have revealed some early team news ahead of the huge game against Man City on the weekend.

The Red Devils drew against Atalanta in Bergamo, thanks to a brace from Cristiano Ronaldo. However, their last league outing was far more impressive as they smashed Tottenham Hotspur 3-0, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer opting for a back three. 

While the Norwegian would have liked to have a fully fit squad ahead of facing their arch-rivals, there are a couple of injury and suspension issues. Raphael Varane will be a huge miss for the Old Trafford outfit after he picked up a hamstring injury in the game against Atalanta.

Raphael Varane shall be out for the game against Man City due to a hamstring issue.
Raphael Varane shall be out for the game against Man City due to a hamstring issue. Copyright: xMartinxRickettx 62343754

In fact, the French international, who had recently returned from injury, is now set to be out of action for a month. However, in some positive news for the club, Victor Lindelof might be fit to feature in the derby after staying back in Manchester for the Atalanta game.

The Swede was incredible in the victory against Tottenham, and his absence was certainly felt in the draw against the Italian side in mid-week as United were carved open several times. However, given that he has been included in his national side for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, Solskjaer would be counting on the 27-year-old’s fitness.

Paul Pogba had a disastrous return to Italy as he was hooked a little after the hour mark. He will not be available on Saturday due to his three-game ban for the red card he received against Liverpool. Fred, Edinson Cavani, and Nemanja Matic were on the bench in the mid-week game, but the trio is a contender to feature on the weekend. 

Manchester United star Paul Pogba is also a confirmed absentee for the Man City game as he will continue to serve his three game ban.
Manchester United star Paul Pogba is also a confirmed absentee for the Man City game as he will continue to serve his three-game ban. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

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Man City, on the other hand, have Ferran Torres out with a long-term injury while Kyle Walker is also a slight doubt after suffering a foot issue in their UCL tie against Club Brugge.

Regardless, it is sure to be an entertaining tie as Solskjaer looks to turn things around and save his job at Old Trafford.