Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Richard Fay

Solskjaer explains Jesse Lingard selection for Manchester United against Arsenal

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has backed Jesse Lingard ahead of Manchester United's fixture against Arsenal on New Year's Day.

The English midfielder returns to the United starting XI for the match at the Emirates and is one of three changes made by Solskjaer from the weekend win at Turf Moor.

Andreas Pereira shone for United during their win against Burnley but drops out of the line up, while Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Luke Shaw both return at full-back.

United know a win is vital if they are to keep their top-four hopes alive and Solskjaer is backing the three fresh players to make an impact.

"There's load of games and we did put some hard work into Saturday night," Solskjaer told MUTV. "Two full-backs they are rested, Jesse’s rested so we should be ready to go.

"He's had a difficult year last year, we know the reasons behind that. Hopefully he'll have a better 2020.”

United haven’t won three consecutive Premier League games since a run of six in Solskjaer’s first six games in charge, however they will need to do win without Paul Pogba again if they are to equal the record.

The Frenchman was absent for United's weekend win away at Burnley and has been unable to regain fitness for the match against Arsenal on Wednesday night.

The United manager added: "He’s injured.

"He’s feeling some discomfort in his ankle. He’ll be out for a few weeks, definitely.”

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.