When assessing the fitness situation, for both sides, in tomorrow’s Crystal Palace at Manchester United Premier League fixture, one should really start with United midfielder Paul Pogba. Yes, the Frenchman is perfectly physically fit, but there are been concerns about his mental state, given what transpired this week on social media.
Pogba was a victim of online racial abuse, and the club issued a statement denouncing the actions of racist social media trolls. Some United players made public statements in support of Pogba as well.
Twitter announced that they are currently working with United on investigating the situation, and this was a primary topic at United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s press conference today.
Solskjaer, upon being asked, said that Pogba’s mental state is fine right now.
In regards to Alexis Sanchez, the Norwegian said the forward competed in some behind closed doors competition, but his fitness situation will need to be re-assessed in September. Will Alexis even be with the club by then?
What about his imminent move to Inter Milan? Solskjaer said nothing other acknowledging that there has been discussions with some clubs on that front.
Diogo Dalot, Eric Bailly and Timothy Fosu-Mensah remain long term absentees for United.
Palace will be without the services of Sakho (knee), Tomkins (calf) and Dreher (knee). For the United Starting XI prediction go to this link.
Manchester United vs Crystal Palace FYIs
Kickoff: Saturday, August 24, 3pm, Old Trafford
Match Official: Paul Tierney
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer Press Conference Video:
Odds: Manchester United 1/3, Draw 4/1, Crystal Palace 8/1
Score prediction: Manchester United 3, Crystal Palace 1
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net, which is partnered with News Now. Banks, the author of “No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry,” regularly appears on WGN CLTV and co-hosts the “Let’s Get Weird, Sports” podcast on SB Nation.
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