Odion Ighalo is set to lead the line for Manchester United as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s injury-hit side bid for an FA Cup quarter-final place against Derby tonight.
The Nigerian forward has started once in one start since making his January loan switch from Shanghai Greenland Shenhua, scoring in the 5-0 Europa League demolition of Club Brugge.
With Marcus Rashford out with a long-term injury and winger Daniel James expected to miss out again with a knock, Ighalo could be set for his first domestic start.
Sergio Romero will likely take the place of David de Gea, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka a doubt and Paul Pogba ruled out entirely.
Solskjaer believes Pogba will likely have to wait until the end of the month to make his long-awaited return.
On the Frenchman, Solskjaer said: “Paul’s still working with the physios outside and he won’t be training with the first-team until next week, and then let’s see how long that will take.”
Midfielder Bruno Fernandes – who has taken Manchester by storm since his January switch from Sporting Lisbon – is also expected to retain his place in the side.
Solskjaer has reiterated that Fernandes’ form comes as no surprise, and said: “The point was get him in because of the quality.
“He relishes it, he loves being around the place. He gives everyone a boost and has an aura.”
Predicted United XI (4-3-3): Romero; Dalot, Bailly, Maguire, Williams; McTominay, Matic, Fred, Fernandes; Ighalo, Greenwood
