Solskjaer hints at McTominay return

Scott McTominay could make his comeback from injury when Manchester United host Watford on Sunday, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has revealed.

The central midfielder has been out of action since picking up a ligament problem during our Boxing Day win over Newcastle United, but the manager has given some good news regarding McTominay’s potential involvement against the Hornets.

“I think he might be in the squad,” said Solskjaer at his pre-match press conference, which was held in Belgium following the Reds' 1-1 draw with Club Brugge.

“Scott had a rest day today, so let’s see how he is tomorrow.”

McTominay has missed our last 13 matches in all competitions, although his return could come sooner than first anticipated. Solskjaer cited the Scotland international’s key defensive and attacking attributes and said he will provide an all-round boost to the side when he does step out on to the pitch again.

“I’m not surprised [he’s back so soon] because that’s the type he is,” added Ole.

“He’s a physical specimen, he’s a leader. He never shirks a tackle and he brings everyone with him. He can sit with Nemanja [Matic] and Fred or he could be one of the runners in midfield.

“Talking about that here today, we don’t really make enough runs past the striker. Scott used to be a striker so he’s used to being in the box.”

As far as the rest of the squad is concerned, Solskjaer couldn't be certain whether Mason Greenwood will have recovered by Sunday, after missing the midweek trip to Belgium due to illness. If the teenager is absent, it could increase the likelihood of loan signing Odion Ighalo facing his former club after his substitute appearances against Chelsea and Brugge.

“Everyone says that [players raise their game] against their old team when they score, but there are also many games when you don’t score,” said Ole.

“Odion is getting more and more minutes, but [whether he starts] depends on Mason as well of course, and how Anthony [Martial] is [after playing on Thursday].”

Paul Pogba and Marcus Rashford are still on the sidelines, with respective foot and back problems, and Ole was not asked for an update on the fitness of Tim Fosu-Mensah. The Netherlands international is yet to feature this season after undergoing knee ligament surgery over the summer.

WATFORD TEAM NEWS

The Hornets have been boosted by the news that Ismaila Sarr and Kiko Femenia have returned to first team training after a few weeks on the sidelines. It remains to be seen whether either will be involved at Old Trafford, however.

One player who definitely won’t play is Daryl Janmaat. The Dutch full-back has been out of action since November’s win over Norwich, and will start his comeback with a match for the Under-23s next week, according to head coach Nigel Pearson.