The blow is set to hand United’s youngsters a big opportunity to impress
A tough week for Ole Gunner Solskjaer has got worse after the Manchester United manager confirmed injuries to Jesse Lingard and Anthony Martial.
The attacking duo both pulled up with muscle injuries in the midweek defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of their Champions League knockout clash.
Solskjaer has admitted that both will be missing for a minimum of two weeks, making them unavailable for Monday’s FA Cup trip to Chelsea as well as the following derby at home to Liverpool and the trip to Crystal Palace.
“I think they’ll be out for two to three weeks,” confirmed the Norwegian on Friday.
United’s academy is stocked with forwards ready and waiting to come in, such as Angel Gomes, Mason Greenwood and Tahith Chong, and Solskjaer is willing to consider these options alongside out-of-form stars Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez.
“Then you’re looking at younger players,” he continued. “We were thinking ‘Mason Greenwood, it’s your time to step in’, but he’s injured unfortunately, out for a couple of weeks as well.
“Sometimes that’s how the luck goes, but Mason will get his chance. But it’s a chance for anyone who plays – Alexis, Romelu, Chongy or Angel.
“Anthony and Jesse have done really well for us, they’re vital, but then again with Rom and Alexis, they’ve got different skill sets and will be able to show what they can do.”
Solskjaer’s first defeat as Manchester United boss came on Tuesday against PSG and the pressure of delivering an immediate response now falls largely on Marcus Rashford’s shoulders, the striker having netted six goals since the coach’s arrival.
In contrast, neither Sanchez and Lukaku have played a part in a goal since the trip to Arsenal on January 25th, the Chilean having only netted twice all season.
