When Manchester United commence their 2019 FA Cup campaign tomorrow they will have their convalescing star, Alexis Sanchez, back in the first team. Interim manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has confirmed the 30-year-old Chilean will be part of his starting XI when they host Reading in the third round of the competition at Old Trafford tomorrow.
Sanchez made a substitute appearance in the win over Newcastle United, and will now make his first start since November. Solskjaer has vowed to help get Sanchez right again, much like Paul Pogba is now coming correct under the leadership of the 45-year-old Norwegian.
Speaking of Pogba, Solskjaer has indicated that the Frenchman is an injury doubt for this one.
“I’m not sure if Paul is going to be ready,” the Norwegian said his press conference on Friday.
“He got a knock against Newcastle. If (Marouane) Fellaini gets through the session (of training today) it’s more or less a full squad. There will be a few changes and they’ll get a chance. Some of them are itching now to play of course.”
“(Romelu) Lukaku and Sanchez will start. That’s important for them because they need more game time.”
In regards to Lukaku, this is news worthy because he was the super sub who ultimately proved to be the hero against Newcastle. Defenders Chris Smalling and Marcos Rojo are out injured for this one.
Reading at United FYIs
United Starting XI Prediction: go to this link
Kick-off: 1230 pm (BST), Saturday January 5, Old Trafford
Odds: United win- 1/8, draw- 7/1, Reading win- 14/1
Prediction: United 3, Reading 1
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net, which is partnered with News Now. Banks, a former writer for NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com, regularly appears as a guest pundit on WGN CLTV and co-hosts the “Let’s Get Weird, Sports” podcast on SB Nation.
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