ANALYSIS KEY ISSUES FOR REDS

ENFORCED SELECTIONS?

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OLE Gunnar Solskjaer kept his cards close to his chest during the injury bulletin although he was unlikely to show his hand amid doubts over key personnel. Edinson Cavani has not played in two weeks and, if fit, might not be used from the start. Scott McTominay is essential if available, otherwise United must persist with the partnership of Fred and Nemanja Matic, which is more justifiable against Chelsea than Newcastle.

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ANTHONY Martial was livelier against Real Sociedad than in his lifeless performance against Newcastle and Cavani’s muscular injury could ensure the Frenchman stays in the Reds attack.

United could also be without Daniel James, forced off on Thursday night, potentially leaving them with Amad as the only back-up forward for the front four. Donny van de Beek and Juan Mata are injured.

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GOING off those unused and those removed at half-time against Sociedad, Solskjaer has all but confirmed starting roles for David de Gea, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Fred, Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford. Matic, Martial, Mason Greenwood and Victor Lindelof could round out the XI.

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UNITED have drawn 0-0 with City, Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal this season, they were beaten 1-0 by Arsenal and walloped 6-1 by Spurs.

Their last goal from open play against a ‘big six’ side came in the last game they played in front of supporters Scott McTominay’s Old Trafford derby clincher on March 8. United’s only ‘big six’ goals since have been Bruno Fernandes penalties (two against Tottenham and one against Chelsea). It has been 13-and-a-half hours since McTominay caressed Ederson’s overthrow into the Stretford End net and United’s failure to convert draws into wins at Liverpool and Arsenal last month partly ended their title challenge before it had even started.

MARTIAL REPRIEVED? CERTAIN SELECTIONS ARREST ‘BIG SIX’ FORM?