Scott McTominay is a major doubt for Manchester United’s trip to Burnley after suspected knee ligament damage.
The midfielder left Old Trafford on crutches after the 4-1 win against Newcastle on Boxing Day and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer expects him to miss Saturday’s clash at Turf Moor.
But with Paul Pogba back fit following an ankle and foot injury, United have options in midfield.
And despite joining the chorus of managers complaining about the Christmas schedule, Solskjaer believes his side can cope with a quick turnaround against Burnley.
“I don’t think it is fair on the boys at all,” he said. “I don’t think it is fair to be expected to perform at the best of your level, both mentally and physically, 48 hours after you have played.
“But I think we are in the best position to perform on Saturday.
“One - the game (against Newcastle) was over after 45 minutes. Two - we are young. We have a great chance against Burnley to perform at the best level because when you are 23, which is the average age of the outfield starting players today, that will make it easier for us to recover than Burnley, I think.
“They played until the end against Everton. We were done after 45 minutes and used the second-half as recovery.
“But it is not fair, especially when a game at Watford has just gone and there will be a game New Year’s Day.
“Two games in three days is possible once in a while, but not when it is as tight as this. It is not really.
“I am impressed by everyone in the dressing room because they are so professional, looking after themselves. I trust them. They know what is the right thing to do.”
Man Utd predicted XI (4-2-3-1): De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Maguire, Shaw; Fred, Pogba; James, Lingard, Rashford; Martial
