There were two notable absences from Manchester United’s starting line up to face Rochdale.

Angel Gomes and Diogo Dalot both started last week in the Europa League against Astana, but were not even named on the bench for the Carabao Cup clash.

Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has confirmed this was for fitness reasons.

He added that he hopes both will be available for next week’s Europa League match, but appears to have ruled out either figuring against Arsenal.

Solskjaer told MUTV: “They are injured. They weren’t fit they haven’t trained the last couple of days unfortunately.

“So hopefully they can be back for Alkmaar next week.”

(Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)

Strong side

It would have been good to see more of both players and Gomes’ absence in particular came as a surprise.

 

United’s official website re-published an interview with Gomes ahead of the game this morning, despite knowing the attacking midfielder was struggling with injury.

United’s line-up consists of Sergio Romero in goal, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Phil Jones, Axel Tuanzebe and Marcos Rojo in defence.

Paul Pogba returns in midfield with Fred, Andreas Pereira, Jesse Lingard, Tahith Chong, and Mason Greenwood up front, also returning.

Axel Tuanzebe captains the side in just his second start of the season.

Dalot and Gomes’ absences have led to Wan-Bissaka being called back in when he had been expected to rest, while Andreas Pereira could get a chance in the centre.

Youngsters James Garner and Brandon Williams are among the substitutes.

Have something to tell us about this article?