Man Utd team news: Predicted 4-3-3 line up vs Tottenham – Solskjaer gives update on trio
Manchester United will continue to be without Paul Pogba and a host of other first-team stars when they face Tottenham at Old Trafford this evening (7.30pm).
Man Utd: Solskjaer reacts to questions surrounding his job
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has given injury updates on a trio of first-team stars ahead of Manchester United’s Premier League clash with Tottenham. The Red Devils boss has ruled out Paul Pogba but suggested that Nemanja Matic and Scott McTominay could both feature against Spurs.
Pogba has only played six matches so far this season and has not featured since since the end of September due to an ankle injury.
Meanwhile, Matic has been out for two months and McTominay has missed the last three games with an ankle problem of his own but could return to the starting XI tonight.
When asked about Pogba in his pre-match press conference on Tuesday, Solskjaer said: ”He's not ready, no.
"He's still a bit away but he's working hard so let's see. He's out on the grass, let's see how long it will take.
Man Utd team news: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has ruled Paul Pogba out of playing against Tottenham (Image: GETTY•buildlineup.com)
“McTominay and Matic? Touch and go but let's get this training session out of the window, got more games than this one, can't look at just the one game, have to look at long-term."
Solskjaer’s comments suggest he will not take any unnecessary risks with McTominay or Matic, especially considering the looming Manchester derby on Saturday.
However, McTominay has been one of United’s best performers in a dismal season so far and could get the nod alongside Fred and Andreas Pereira in midfield.
As for Pogba, the Frenchman returned from an extended trip to Miami last week where he was undergoing rehabilitation for his troublesome ankle issue.
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The World Cup winner initially sustained the knock against Southampton at the end of August and missed the following three matches.
He then started against Rochdale in the League Cup third round and faced Arsenal later that week but aggravated the problem and has not played since.
Eric Bailly and Timothy Fosu-Mensah are also long-term absentees while Marcos Rojo is sidelined and Diogo Dalot is doubtful to face Tottenham.
Jesse Lingard is expected to start for United after reports that Anthony Martial will miss out through injury. That could see Rashford move into the centre-forward role, giving Lingard more freedom in a wide position.
Man Utd team news: Scott McTominay has not featured since suffering an ankle injury against Brighton (Image: GETTY)