Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is facing a serious injury crisis with up to 10 players absent for Manchester United’s trip to Crystal Palace on Wednesday.
In the 0-0 draw with Liverpool on Sunday, three United midfielders succumbed to injuries in a 25-minute period that could have implications on the rest of their season, with the Champions League second leg tie against PSG still to play – as well as an FA Cup quarter-final at Wolves.
Ander Herrera was first to go, before Juan Mata limped off after a challenge on Mohamed Salah and his replacement Jesse Lingard soon joined them after pulling his hamstring.
Striker Marcus Rashford also picked up a knock to his ankle, but managed to play on through the pain barrier for the remainder of the match.
Anthony Martial, Phil Jones and Nemanja Matic were already ruled out ahead of the match along with Antonio Valencia, Matteo Darmian and Mason Greenwood.
Solskjaer, who has lost just once since taking charge, insists he will still be able to field a strong team and says this could give players such as Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez the opportunity to make an impact.
“We’ll have a good team out definitely,” he said.
“It’s a chance for others. Scott (McTominay), Andreas (Pereira) did fantastic (on Sunday). You’ve got to be ready when you get it.
“It’s a chance for them to play to their potential. Their potential is high. The two of them are good mates and they link up together.
“This might be a chance to find some form and give us a selection headache. Rom created two big chances against Liverpool.
“The link-up between them against Arsenal in the cup was good.”