Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be finalising his first Manchester United starting eleven for his managerial debut against Cardiff on Saturday as we speak but he will have to make do without Romelu Lukaku this weekend as the Belgian forward has been put on compassionate leave by the club.
Lukaku looks likely to miss the game against Cardiff this weekend as well as the Boxing Day fixture at Old Trafford against Huddersfield before he returns to the fold for the game on the 30th December against Bournemouth, also at home.
United fans may see a more expansive style of play under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and it looks as if Marcus Rashford will be the man trusted to lead the line under Solskjaer for the opening two games.
The 45-year-old is starting his six-month reign as manager of United and fans will hope he can make some big decisions regarding team selection in the next few months. The much-maligned Alexis Sanchez is also set to miss the Cardiff game as he has been out with an injury.
The Norwegian boss said: “Lukaku has had a couple of days off, I’ve not seen him yet and I’ve not seen Alexis because he’s on his way back as well. I’m looking forward to seeing them.”
Paul Pogba is a man who should be delighted with Mourinho’s sacking having struggled under the Portuguese boss. He is expected to start at Cardiff and will be relied on by Solskjaer to be a creative force in the middle of midfield.
Bring on the exciting attacking football!