Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says David de Gea's injury is "not as bad as first feared" - but still doesn't expect the Spaniard to feature against Liverpool on Sunday.
De Gea suffered a groin injury during Spain's Euro 2020 qualifying draw against Sweden on Tuesday and there were fears he could be set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
But Solskjaer has allayed fears De Gea will be out for any significant length of time with the issue.
"I don't expect him to play but it wasn't as bad as feared," Solskjaer said at his pre-Liverpool press conference.
"When I saw the game I thought that's him out until next international break because we've had some long-term muscle injuries but it's not as bad as feared."
United are already 15 points behind table-topping Liverpool ahead of Sunday's clash at Old Trafford.
The Reds are perfect through eight games of the season while United sit just two points above the drop zone and could fall into the bottom three if results do not go their way over the course of the weekend.
United are as big as 4/1 with some bookmakers to claim all three points, but Solskjaer says the match provides his players with the "perfect" opportunity to kick-start their season.
"They're doing well in the league," Solskjaer added.
"That's for sure, but we're looking forward to this game, it's perfect game for our players and our fans, because we've had a tough time, a difficult time lately and I'm sure we'll give them a good game."
