Man United’s triple injury concern ahead of Europa League final
Football
By
Mirror
| May 19, 2021
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is sweating over the fitness of three first-team players ahead of Manchester United's Europa League final clash with Villarreal.
United sealed second place in the Premier League table on Tuesday after their draw at home to Fulham and Leicester's defeat at Chelsea leaves them four points ahead with only one match left to play.
Sadly for Solskjaer his players did not all come through the fixture unscathed.
The United boss was already without captain Harry Maguire, who now appears to be a serious doubt to make the final in Gdansk next week.
In addition, both Scott McTominay and Fred are now nursing injuries, though Solskjaer is remaining hopeful both midfielders will return to fitness in time.
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"Unfortunately Scott had to come off and Fred doesn’t look great while he’s walking now," Solskjaer said. "But we've got eight days so hopefully everyone will be available that was available today."
The prognosis on Maguire, however, did not seem as positive.
"Harry we're working on, doesn't look great."
Joe Bryan's goal cancelled out Edinson Cavani's opener at Old Trafford, leaving only a dead rubber fixture to come now for United against Wolves at Molineux on Sunday.
It is likely Solskjaer will rest some of his squad for that match, given his team will have just three days to prepare for the final next Wednesday, and Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville feels the United lineup could be the XI which started against Fulham.
"I wonder whether this could actually be Man Utd's Europa League final team. It wouldn't surprise me," Neville said.
Solskjaer has another decision to make between the sticks but it appears he may already have made his choice.
Dean Henderson has been given a run in the team of late but David de Gea was restored to No.1 and could well keep his place now.
Neville added: "I think Dea Gea will start in goal. You think about the service he's given to the club."
Asked whether he already knows his selection, Solskjaer replied: "For me it is about having two keepers ready for the final which is important.
"It is up for grabs. I will make up my mind after these last two league games."