How Man Utd could line-up for Rochdale in the Carabao Cup including Pogba, Greenwood and Gomes
Sponsored by
OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER is set to be handed a huge injury boost by the news that Paul Pogba will return to first-team action in the Carabao Cup.
The French World Cup winner has missed Manchester United's last three games through injury, but should be fit for the clash with Rochdale.
Solskjaer said: "He'll probably get some minutes against Rochdale. But we definitely think he's ready for Arsenal."
The Norwegian is also likely to call on teenage star Mason Greenwood following his recovery from a bout of tonsillitis.
The 17-year-old scored the winner in the Europa League tie against Astana last week but was forced to miss the defeat to West Ham on Sunday.
The game against the League One side provides a welcome distraction for Solskjaer and allows him to rest some of his regular stars before Monday's crunch clash with Arsenal.
The United boss will look to give out-of-favour duo Marcos Rojo and Fred a chance to stake their claim for a first-team place.
While youngsters Axel Tuanzebe, Tahith Chong and Angel Gomes will all likely be given more minutes to impress.
Jesse Lingard and Phil Jones are expected to feature as two of the more experienced United players after the former came off the bench at the weekend.
While David De Gea will also be rested with Sergio Romero set to deputise in goal.
PUT ON A UNITED FRONT
Meanwhile, Pogba's return slightly eases the injury crisis United are facing, with Anthony Martial, Luke Shaw and Eric Bailly still on the sidelines.
And the club have confirmed that Marcus Rashford will be unavailable against Rochdale after picking up a groin problem at the London Stadium.
Solskjaer added: "It's just one of those moments.
"We’ve had historically loads of centre-backs over the last few years struggling with injuries, we’ve gone down here with Michael Carrick playing centre-back – I don’t know if he played here – and Darren Fletcher.
"And at the moment it’s strikers. That’s just how it’s gone. Hopefully Mason and Anthony will be back for definitely Arsenal, hopefully one of them against Rochdale."
Solskjaer is already under growing calls by supporters to be sacked following another abject away performance at West Ham.
Most Read in Football
SunSport columnist Alan Shearer labelled the Red Devils "unbelievably bad" with United still yet to claim their first away win of the season.
Former midfielder Roy Keane claimed it was "scary" how far the club have fallen while ex-boss Jose Mourinho says there are no positives that the club can take away from the performance.
Defeat leaves United with just eight points from six matches and 10 points adrift of table-toppers Liverpool.