Will Power

Tuesday, January 28, 2020

Solskjaer's team news for semi-final derby

Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is hoping Nemanja Matic will be fit for Wednesday's Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against neighbours Manchester City.

The Reds are trailing 3-1 in the tie following the first leg at Old Trafford but will retain some belief of reaching Wembley after winning at the Etihad Stadium in the Premier League last month.

On the back of the 6-0 Emirates FA Cup demolition of Tranmere Rovers on Sunday, United are likely to make a couple of additions to those on duty at Prenton Park.

“We need everyone but, of course, some of these players have played loads of football,” Ole told MUTV.

“Nemanja had to come off, let’s see how he is before tomorrow. Anthony [Martial], we could take off at half-time and Harry [Maguire] has played the most football for us, which is okay. City rested their players as well so they’ll be just as fresh.”

Apart from Nemanja it’s the same squad. Aaron [Wan-Bissaka] will be back in the squad and David [De Gea] too. We should be the same squad that’s been travelling lately. They’ve done fantastic. We have two more games [this week] so let’s give what we have, then we have a little break.

“Nemanja felt something and to make sure we give him the best possible chance for tomorrow night we took him off [at Tranmere]. I think he should be all right but let’s see today in training.”

De Gea may get the nod to keep goal, despite Sergio Romero's fine form as his deputy in cup competitions, as the manager decides the best route to upsetting City on their home turf again.

There will be no Paul Pogba, Scott McTominay or Marcus Rashford, of course, but Eric Bailly has been fit enough to make the bench against Liverpool and Tranmere. He could be an option, particularly if Ole opts to field three central defenders in the derby.

CITY'S TEAM NEWS

Blues boss Pep Guardiola has a number of options available, with only Leroy Sane on the sidelines, although Aymeric Laporte is being treated carefully after his comeback from injury.

Claudio Bravo looks set to start in goal ahead of Ederson, while Kevin De Bruyne, Raheem Sterling and Sergio Aguero were all rested for the facile home Emirates FA Cup victory over 10-man Fulham at the weekend.


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