Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Alex Smith

How Man Utd could line up vs Watford for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's permanent debut

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could welcome back eight stars from injury as the Norwegian prepares for his first game as Manchester United's permanent manager.

The Red Devils continue their hunt for a place in the Premier League top four, and a spot in next season's Champions League, as they face Watford on Saturday.

The fixture will hold extra memories for Solskjaer after he was upgraded from caretaker boss having won 14 of his 19 matches in the Old Trafford dugout.

Marcus Rashford, Luke Shaw, Nemanja Matic, Romelu Lukaku, Anthony Martial, Eric Bailly, Antonio Valencia and Matteo Darmian are all expected to be back for what could be a special day - as a new era official opens.

Solskjaer has been given the United job permanently (AFP/Getty Images)

  Ole Gunnar Solskjaer full transcript from first interview as permanent Man Utd manager

Rashford, Shaw, Matic, Lukaku and Martial all pulled out of international duty but have regained fitness after two weeks off.

Belgian Lukaku, who has netted six times in his last four appearances, may still be a doubt, though, due to his foot injury.

Bailly may not be risked having suffered a head injury during an Ivory Coast game last week, while Alexis Sanchez is definitely absent.

David De Gea is ready to reclaim his gloves back from Sergio Romero after the Argentine played against Wolves in the FA Cup before the international break.

Lukaku is a doubt (AFP/Getty Images)
Young will return from his suspension (Action Images via Reuters)

How Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's Man Utd appointment will impact Virgil van Dijk

The Spaniard played against Norway in their Euro 2020 qualifier last week, conceded a penalty in a 2-1 victory, before he was left out of the clash with Malta.

Defensively, Valencia made his return to action for Ecuador in a 2-0 defeat to USA last Friday having not featured for United since January 2.

But he is unlikely to make the 18-man squad with Ashley Young returning from suspension - with Victor Lindelof, Chris Smalling and Luke Shaw expected to complete the back line.

  How much Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be paid compared to Jose Mourinho

Solskajer's midfield should pick itself with Ander Herrera, Nemanja Matic and Paul Pogba joined by Jesse Lingard.

Rashford will start up front, with Martial standing in for Lukaku.

Man Utd probable XI: De Gea, Young, Lindelof, Smalling, Shaw, Matic, Herrera, Pogba, Lingard, Martial, Rashford

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.