OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER could start Mason Greenwood for Wednesday’s Carabao Cup clash with Manchester City.
Manchester United host their rivals in a one-legged shoot-out for a place in the Wembley final.
Since the two teams played out a Premier League stalemate in December, the Red Devils have been on a fine run.
Five wins in six have elevated United to second in the league with some promoting Solskjaer’s side to the rare status of ‘favourites’ for this derby meeting.
Going into the game, the Norwegian has no major injury concerns to contend with, aside from the long-term absences of Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo.
Edinson Cavani will miss the game due to a suspension for a ‘racist’ Instagram post.
With at least eight games in January following nine last month, some rotation is expected from the United boss.
Dean Henderson should come in between the posts with Axel Tuanzebe and Greenwood primed for a role.
Paul Pogba may keep his spot in the midfield with Donny van de Beek, Daniel James and Juan Mata ready if called upon.
The Spaniard remains the only player to have ever knocked Pep Guardiola out of the Carabao Cup.
An October 2016 fourth-round derby, in which Mata scored the only goal, is the only blemish on the City boss’ perfect record in a competition he has won three years running.
In fact, United are on a bit of a run themselves when it comes to derby days.
The last three meetings between these two clubs have seen City pick up only a draw, falling to two defeats without scoring.
Ahead of the game, Solskjaer stated his hope that the Red Devils have progressed since falling to their rivals at this stage last season.
He noted: “We are happy to be in a semi-final and of course a semi-final is a chance to go to the final.
“Last year we were just not capable of going through. I think we’ve improved since then and we are going to give it a go.”
Follow our socials Whatsapp, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Google News.
