Manchester United are set to make a number of changes to their starting line-up under new manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
The Norwegian was appointed as interim boss until the end of the season after Jose Mourinho was sacked on Tuesday morning. The 55-year-old was given the chop having overseen United’s worst-ever start to a Premier League season with the Red Devils 19 points off the pace of table-toppers Liverpool.
Solskjaer, who was spotted arriving at the club’s Carrington training base on Thursday, faces his first test in the hot-seat with a trip to former club Cardiff.
United are emerging from an injury crisis with several players returning to full fitness, but there are a number of key stars absent.
Alexis Sanchez remains sidelined with a hamstring problem while Romelu Lukaku is on compassionate leave and is unlikely to be available until the clash with Bournemouth on December 30.
Solskjaer revealed he has not yet seen Lukaku or Sanchez but has said he is “looking forward to seeing” the duo.
The 45-year-old has also given hope to the likes of Paul Pogba after the Frenchman found himself relegated to the bench during Mourinho’s final three matches in charge.
Solskjaer said: “Everyone in the squad knows they have a chance now, because whatever has happened, it has happened.
“From now, everyone starts on a clean slate and we want players to perform.”
Pogba is expected to be restored to the starting XI while Luke Shaw should also come back in, having fallen out with Mourinho during the former manager’s tenure.
Many will hope Solskjaer abandons his predecessor’s defensive tendencies in favour of attacking football, with the club hero potentially adopting a more radical 4-2-3-1 formation against Cardiff.
Marcos Rojo is unavailable to face the Bluebirds while Chris Smalling is a doubt, having limped out of the warm-up last weekend at Liverpool.
Eric Bailly and Victor Lindelof are expected to continue in central defence while Ashley Young, Antonio Valencia and Diogo Dalot are in competition for the right-back slot.
Nemanja Matic is in danger of missing out if Solskjaer boldy opts for a four-man attack, with Ander Herrera expected to sit in alongside Pogba.
Jesse Lingard has impressed in recent weeks and should start on the right while Anthony Martial is likely to return on the opposite flank with Juan Mata playing as No 10 behind Marcus Rashford.
