Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has confirmed that star striker Edinson Cavani picked up an injury against Atalanta and that’s why the Uruguayan wasn’t part of the squad for the Manchester derby.
The 34-year-old has featured in United’s last four matches and with Solskjaer selecting a 3-5-2 formation once again, Cavani may have started alongside Cristiano Ronaldo if he was fit, like they did to devastating effect at Tottenham.
But the South American has been ruled out of the clash and it’s Mason Greenwood who starts alongside Ronaldo in his place.
Cavani’s fitness issues have also seen him omitted from Uruguay’s squad for their forthcoming World Cup qualifiers.
The Norwegian also provided an update on Marcus Rashford, who also faced a race against the clock to be passed fit for the game against Pep Guardiola’s side.
United’s number 10 has been included on the bench and Solskjaer revealed he is fit enough to play a part if required.
Speaking via the club’s official website, Solskjaer said on Cavani and Rashford: “We’ve had a couple of issues since Italy, Edi has been one of them.
“Marcus was only clear this morning, he’s had a problem as well, but, luckily, he can be on the bench and, hopefully, come on if he needs to.”
Victor Lindelof is fit enough to return and he replaces Raphael Varane in defence alongside Harry Maguire and Eric Bailly.
Fred comes back into midfield to replace Paul Pogba, who is serving the second of his three match domestic suspension.
The World Cup winner will also miss the trip to Watford, the first game after the November international break, but will be available to return to face Chelsea the following week, with a trip to Villarreal sandwiched in between those Premier League games.
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