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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Sam Meade

Mike Phelan sends message to Man Utd fans ahead of first game back at Old Trafford

Manchester United No 2 Mike Phelan has sent the club's fans a message ahead of their return to Old Trafford.

The Red Devils will play a home game for the first time in over three months, but the 76,000 strong crowd won't be there.

Sheffield United are the visitors to Manchester ahead of a clash that could have a huge baring on Champions League qualification.

And Phelan has told the club's fans that they will still feel their presence despite their absence.

He said on Twitter : "Back home tomorrow. We will look up and we will see you and we will hear you".

United returned to action with a 1-1 draw at Tottenham on Friday night.

Mike Phelan believes Man Utd fans will be present in spirit (Getty Images)

It means they lost ground on fourth-placed Chelsea who won at Aston Villa 48 hours .later.

But Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side can close to within two points of the Blues with a win against the Blades.

The Norwegian is poised to start Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes together for the first time.

The pair linked up for half an hour in north London on Friday night as Pogba put in an impressive cameo after coming off the bench.

Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba are poised to start together (REUTERS)

But their first start alongside each other won't be witnessed by any fans, which Solskjaer admitted will challenge his team.

"I’m not sure if easier is the right word," he said when asked about whether an empty stadium would be advantageous.

"It’s a different way, a different mental challenge for the players. It might make some feel more at ease, some thrive at the enthusiasm of the passion and fans.

“But as coaches we get messages across and opposition coaches can listen, it’s a different way.

"At home if you’re struggling, you get home fans on your back and struggle with that and relax a bit more but we will miss our fans.

“I’ve not heard fans in the world be so supportive of their team, so for me it’s more difficult for us to play at Old Trafford with no fans than with fans, they’re so passionate."

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