His tenure didn’t last long after aggravating his previous injury [Courtesy]

Manchester United interim manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s race for top four could be hindered after losing three of his key players to injuries in their Premier League clash against Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday, February 24.

The 45-year-old Norwegian was forced to make all three substitutions in the first half of the match, the first one coming just after 20 minutes after midfielder Ander Herrera went down clutching his thigh after picking a hamstring injury.  He was replaced by Brazilian Andreas Pereira.

Spaniard Juan Mata hobbled off the pitch after picking a knock forcing Solskjaer to make his second substitution. Englishman Jesse Lingard took up the task, returning from injury after missing their FA Cup win against Chelsea at the Stamford Bridge last Monday.

Unfortunately, his tenure didn’t last long after aggravating his previous injury and was forced to exit the match just after 18 minutes of action. Chilean winger Alexis Sanchez replaced him.

Ander Herrera went down clutching his thigh after picking a hamstring injury [Courtesy]

This meant Marcus Rashford, who was had picked up a knock in the initial stages of the game, was forced to play the full 90 minutes half-fit.

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"Rashford was kicked. He did his ankle straight away," said Solskjaer. "We should have taken Rashford off as well but we couldn't,"

"He was... you can't say targeted but you can say there were quite a few fouls on him, definitely. Normally you would take him off after five minutes. When he went straight through his ankle blew up,”

"He wanted to run it off, then Juan [Mata] and Ander [Herrera] came off so we couldn't take the risk taking him off. Hopefully he has not damaged himself too much. We played with 10 and a half men," the Norwegian added.

The Red Devils have been on top gear in the Premier League since Ole Gunnar took charge in December 19, winning eight and drawing two.

Spaniard Juan Mata hobbled off the pitch after picking a knock [Courtesy]

Solskjaer now faces a hurdle after losing his key players, as his side now lies in fifth position, one behind Arsenal who beat Southampton 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium.   

"I have never seen the likes of this before," Solskjaer confessed in a post-match interview.

United will look to continue with their race for top despite the injuries as they visit Crystal Palace on Wednesday.