Manchester United

Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has discussed the size of the task he faces in rebuilding the club.

Solskjaer replaced Jose Mourinho on an interim basis in December 2018 before becoming permanent manager in March last year.

Per Goal's James Westwood, he said:

"I've been asked to do this job. I think the fans see what we're trying to do and it had to be done.

"As I've said last week, three weeks ago, four weeks ago, five weeks ago⁠—it's a rebuild. You had to tear the house down and you had to get players out that weren't here in their minds.

"We've got players here now who will go that extra yard, that culture I want to set, that's the Man United culture."

The Norwegian added that his squad "have the right mentality and they're good personalities."

He continued: "That, for me, is the first tick. You don't stay here if you don't give everything to this team."

Solskjaer's time in the dugout has been a period of transition for United.

As Westwood observed, since he replaced Mourinho, the club has parted ways with Marouane Fellaini, Ander Herrera, Romelu Lukaku and Ashley Young, while Alexis Sanchez, Marcos Rojo and Chris Smalling have been sent out on loan.

United have made four permanent signings in that time⁠—Daniel James, Harry Maguire, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Bruno Fernandes⁠—all of whom have potential to be excellent acquisitions for the club. However, while many of the outgoings were necessary departures for United to move on, they have left themselves with a dangerously threadbare squad in some areas.

Until Fernandes' arrival, the team also had virtually no creativity without Paul Pogba, who has been injured for most of the campaign.

ESPN's Alex Shaw criticised their recruitment shortly before the January transfer window ended:

You can talk about the (lack of) quality in the departures, fair, but the squad is small and injury prone as it is. And there’s no striker seemingly arriving and the potentials for a short term are all way below the level required

— Alex Shaw (@AlexShawTel) January 30, 2020

The Red Devils subsequently secured the services of Odion Ighalo in a late loan move. The Nigerian scored 15 Premier League goals for Watford in the 2015-16 season, but he has plied his trade in the Chinese Super League since 2017.

Getting the squad to where it needs to be is a long-term process, and that largely falls on the club rather than Solskjaer. However, his coaching hasn't been particularly convincing, either. 

Fernandes made his debut for the Red Devils in their 0-0 draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday, but as Bleacher Report's Rob Blanchette observed, there was little movement in front of the playmaker for him to take advantage of:

Today, #MUFC placed one of the most creative midfielders in the world into the team, and little changed. Was interesting to watch Bruno have convoys with AWB, James & Martial in the game, telling them to make runs for him to pick out. They didn't. They lack quality. #MUNWOL

— Rob Blanchette (@_Rob_B) February 1, 2020

Solskjaer also opted to move Fernandes⁠—who returned 63 goals and 52 assists in two-and-a-half seasons at former club Sporting CP, ostensibly playing as an attacking midfielder⁠—into a deeper role, where he was less able to influence the game.

Football writer Jordan Clarke is seeing United suffer the same difficulties under Solskjaer that they encountered under his predecessors:

https://twitter.com/FourFourJordan/status/1223694082733674496

A Premier League title challenge for United was never realistic this season, but they will be aiming for a UEFA Champions League spot. The Red Devils are seventh after 25 games, six points off fourth-place Chelsea, despite the Blues having picked up just four league wins from their past 13 games.

They are also 38 points behind leaders Liverpool and 16 behind a Manchester City side that have already lost six times, and United have yet to reach double figures for wins.

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has blamed Anthony Martial's poor scoring form on fatigue and said he's "delighted" with the forward's efforts.

Solskjaer pointed to the fact that Martial has been forced to play a lot of minutes because of Marcus Rashford's injury and said rest is on the way if he needs it, per ESPN FC's Rob Dawson:

"He's giving us everything. He's been asked now to play―I think he's started the last seven games in this month, and he's running probably 20 per cent more than what he did when I came here.

"As a striker, if you don't just get there that split second, that's a big, massive difference, and I've praised him, I've sat down with him and I'm delighted with him, and I know that he's tired, but he's never ever―how do you say it?―dodged a training session.

"He's training, he's available for every game, [I'm] delighted with the boy.

"We'll give him [Martial] more support, give him rest when he deserves it. If he does have that rest, if he plays a little bit less, because he's been asked to play too much as well, especially now when Marcus is injured."

Martial has scored just a single goal in his past six outings across all competitions, and that came in the FA Cup win over League One strugglers Tranmere Rovers.

The 24-year-old's lack of goals has led to some criticism. TalkSport's Jamie O'Hara doesn't think he has enough quality for the Red Devils:

“If you’re playing as a No.9 for Man Utd you need to have everything.” 🙏

“He’s been there long enough to stamp his authority on that club.” ⏰

“As a centre-half you’d dream about playing against Martial.” 👀@MrJamieOHara1 says Anthony Martial isn’t good enough for #MUFC. pic.twitter.com/okOkiDn1Uf

— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) February 3, 2020

Martial has netted eight goals in the Premier League this season, but he has done his best work when playing alongside Rashford. The England international picked up an injury against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the FA Cup in January, and Martial has scored once since.

The centre-forward position doesn't come naturally to the former Monaco man, and Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News noted that has been an issue for some time:

Shearer right to pick up on Martial’s positioning; Solskjaer had to tell him not to drift wide in the first-half. Martial asked for the number nine and to play as the centre forward but rarely resembles one. Almost as if Mourinho was right that he was better as a winger. #MOTD

— Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) February 1, 2020

Wolves shut out United on Saturday, the team's final match before a two-week winter break. The respite comes at just the right time for Martial, giving him the chance to get some much-needed rest ahead of matches against Chelsea and Club Brugge. It will also give January addition Odion Ighalo the opportunity to get settled at his new club. The Nigerian has a solid track record in the Premier League:

Most goals scored in a single Premier League season by current Man Utd players:

🔴 Odion Ighalo (15)
🔴 Marcus Rashford (14)
🔴 Paul Pogba (13)
🔴 Anthony Martial (11)

No wonder they brought him in. 😉 pic.twitter.com/saNKEBKz4A

— Squawka (@Squawka) February 1, 2020

He could claim the striker role if he shows enough in training, allowing Martial to slide back into a slot on the wing.

United went into the break in seventh place in the Premier League. They have scored 36 goals, significantly less than the top three of Liverpool (60), Manchester City (65) and Leicester (54).

Ryan Giggs has said Bruno Fernandes might cause Manchester United defensive issues after his arrival from Sporting CP.

The Portuguese playmaker made his debut for the Red Devils in Saturday's goalless Premier League draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers, and Giggs has said Ole Gunnar Solskjaer must quickly find the midfielder's best role in his starting XI.

Speaking to Premier League productions (h/t Sam Meade of the Mirror), the Wales manager complimented Fernandes' attacking potential:

"[You saw] glimpses of the quality he does possess. I think it might need a bit of working out what his best position is.

"With his back to goal, I don't think that's his position. When he's a little bit deeper, defensively, he may be a bit of a liability. He's in between the two really.

"That's where you want to see him, coming on to the ball [heading into the final third].

"But also you see when he is that little bit deeper he can spray the passes, he has got the vision to then play those passes. But then you need the runs."

Fernandes provided a good first impression to English football fans on his United debut as he featured as the No. 10 behind Anthony Martial in the first half.

Solskjaer adjusted his team's tactics in the second half, pushing Fernandes deeper in order for the player to get on the ball more.

The tweak failed to change the direction of the match, and once again United lacked the creativity needed to break down a stubborn opponent.

Giggs added he remembers making the switch back into midfield during his Old Trafford career, and that he demanded movement ahead of him. The United icon said Fernandes will need to mimic this and force the attack to make runs for him to pick out.

"When I went back and played in midfield, if I got the ball and no-one was running in behind, I'd tell them because first five minutes, I want to turn, face the play and move the defence.

"What that does, it gives space to the wide-men who want to come in, the No.10, the defence then are already on their way as soon as he gets the ball.

"I think he'll want to find his best position first of all. He tired towards the end but you can see the quality that he has got."

Arriving at a new club midseason is always difficult, but Fernandes gave a strong indication he will settle quickly in Manchester.

Football analyst Statman Dave highlighted the attacker's first contributions:

Bruno Fernandes’ game by numbers vs. Wolves:

• 88 passes (most on the pitch)
• 44 final 1/3 passes (most on the pitch)
• 5 shots (most on the pitch)
• 5 tackles (3rd most from midfield)
• 3 shots OT (most on the pitch)

A constant threat from range. 🎯 pic.twitter.com/CXEPr0SlKC

— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) February 1, 2020

The 25-year-old was an inspirational captain and leader at Sporting, and Fernandes was seen giving advice to Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Daniel James and Martial during his first game.

United's biggest issue against Wolves was their failure to make runs in the channels. Wan-Bissaka struggled to get past his opposite number, and James' form has collapsed since a promising start to his Red Devils career.

However, Martial's lack of movement comprehensively restricted Fernandes in the pocket, and the Portuguese was clearly looking to unlock the door in and around the box.

In the weeks ahead, Solskjaer will hope his men develop the chemistry needed for them to make a charge for the top-four. United missed the opportunity to close the gap on fourth-placed Chelsea after the Blues drew 2-2 at Leicester City.

The Red Devils remain six points behind Frank Lampard's side heading into the Premier League's winter break.

Odion Ighalo has said his shock deadline-day move to Manchester United is a "dream come true" and he is relishing the chance to play for the Red Devils.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side have signed the striker on loan for the rest of the season from Shanghai Greenland Shenhua as cover for Marcus Rashford, who has been ruled out for at least six weeks with a back injury, per BBC Sport.

Ighalo told Sky Sports News that he was a boyhood fan of Manchester United and is looking forward to starting work with the Premier League side.

"It's a dream come true because since I was a kid I followed and dreamt of Manchester United. But it is a reality now. I cannot say much more now until I get started. It's been crazy. Obviously, I am happy to be in Manchester first of all.

"This is a great opportunity for me and I am grateful to God, and to my agent, and the coach who has given me this opportunity to be here. I am happy to be here and to work out with the team and finish very well this season.

"The plan is to just chill today because I travelled a very long way from Shanghai to Manchester. Today is to just rest and tomorrow we start to work."

Ighalo's signing is a shock as he has spent the last three years playing in China. The Chinese Super League is largely seen as an inferior competition and one where players move after their prime to see out their careers with often lucrative contracts.

United also reportedly missed out on nine other strikers before agreeing to sign Ighalo, according to sportswriter Ian Herbert:

The nine strikers Manchester United failed to get in. Before agreeing to pay £165,000 a week of Odion Ighalo’s £300k Chinese wages. What on earth has the #mufc acquisition system come to? pic.twitter.com/uQWmO8uJpx

— Ian Herbert (@ianherbs) February 1, 2020

Ighalo does have plenty of Premier League experience. He played for Watford between 2014 and 2017, scoring 16 goals in 55 top-flight appearances for the Hornets.

The striker was also a key player for Nigeria before announcing his international retirement in July 2019, scoring 16 goals in 35 outings for the Super Eagles. 

He was the top scorer at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations with five goals in five appearances to help the Super Eagles to the semi-finals:

Nigeria’s 🇳🇬 Odion Ighalo takes home the #AFCON2019 Golden Boot.

⚽️⚽️ vs Cameroon 🇨🇲
⚽️ vs Burundi 🇧🇮
⚽️ vs Algeria 🇩🇿
⚽️ vs Tunisia 🇹🇳

Ighalo was also the highest goal scorer in the AFCON 2019 Qualifiers with 7 goals.

He becomes the first player ever to achieve this feat. 👌🏾 pic.twitter.com/k0Oee0XhYg

— Usher Komugisha (@UsherKomugisha) July 19, 2019

Ighalo will add to United's attacking options following injury to top scorer Rashford. The club only have Anthony Martial and 18-year-old Mason Greenwood currently available, meaning Ighalo can expect plenty of game time.

Solskjaer has explained what he is expecting from his newest recruit:

🗣️ Solskjaer: “Odion [Ighalo] is an experienced player. He will come in and give us an option of a different type of centre-forward for the short spell he’s staying with us.

“A great lad and very professional, he will make the most of his time here.” 💪 pic.twitter.com/DmefRpOk66

— GOAL (@goal) February 1, 2020

Ighalo will have time to adjust to life in Manchester as the Premier League is now set for its first winter break, and the Red Devils are not in action again until February 17 when they play Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer believes his forward players did not do enough to aid Bruno Fernandes on his debut for the club.

Fernandes made his first appearance for United on Saturday as they played out a goalless draw at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Solskjaer told Sky Sports (h/t Goal):

"We got Bruno deeper on the ball for us. I felt we controlled the first half as well. In the second half we threatened a little bit more. I feel the ground staff must have moved the goal slightly to the right!

"Bruno is a top player. It's the first game. First half everyone was getting the ball into feet and Bruno is one of those who, when he gets it into feet, he wants players moving in front of him and we didn't move enough in front of him. We moved him further back to get him on the ball more. He'll be a top, top addition."

Bleacher Report's Rob Blanchette identified the same issue, while Squawka's Muhammad Butt similarly felt he was let down by his team-mates:

If I'm Martial, and I suddenly have Bruno Fernandes in the pocket 15 yards behind me, I'm thinking: 'I'm going to run the channel all game, I'm going to run beyond the penalty spot.' He did neither. You could see Bruno's frustration. Many of these players lack quality. #MUFC

— Rob Blanchette (@_Rob_B) February 1, 2020

the difference between Bruno Fernandes and literally everyone else attacking for United is so, so stark. he's miles ahead of them and this is his first 45 minutes for the club.

— Muhammad Butt (@muhammadbutt) February 1, 2020

The change in position did him few favours, too. The former Sporting Lisbon playmaker was deployed in the No. 10 role in the first half before being withdrawn into a central midfield position in the second.

Fernandes accounted for three of United's five shots on target and had 111 touches. Only Aaron Wan-Bissaka was on the ball more, per WhoScored.com. However, he did not manage to create a chance or play any through balls.

The 25-year-old is typically a highly creative player. In 17 Primeira Liga matches this season, he laid on 63 goalscoring chances for his team-mates.

However, he struggled to have that impact in the deeper role in which he was deployed after the break. He's also a player who carries plenty of goal threat himself⁠—he had 15 for Sporting this season⁠—and his second-half role gave him less scope to make use of those talents.

The Independent's Miguel Delaney offered a wry take on Fernandes' debut:

To be fair, it will probably take Fernandes a while to get in-tune with Solskjaer's elaborate tactical patterns.

— Miguel Delaney (@MiguelDelaney) February 1, 2020

With injuries limiting Paul Pogba to just eight appearances this season, United's attackers aren't used to operating with a creative force behind them in midfield. The Frenchman also doesn't usually play in quite as advanced a position as Fernandes' favoured area.

Fernandes contributed 63 goals and 52 assists in two-and-a-half seasons at Sporting. If United want him to have a similar impact at Old Trafford both the players and the coach need to play to his strengths.

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer believes the club's new signing Bruno Fernandes is a similar type of player to his former Red Devils team-mate Paul Scholes.

United bolstered their squad with the acquisition of the midfielder from Sporting CP late in the transfer window, with the Portuguese one of European football's most coveted talents before completing his switch to Old Trafford.

Fernandes is in line to make his debut for the club on Saturday against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League, and Solskjaer has detailed what type of footballer the Red Devils are getting, per Jamie Jackson of the Guardian:

"He is a goalscoring and assisting midfielder, a little bit like Paul Scholes. He can strike a ball fantastically. 

"He has got such a wonderful technique, but he also is going to get assists from set plays and from his range of passes. He is a similar type to Scholesy: fiery, passionate, hates losing and same number [18] on the back of the shirt."

Over the previous two seasons, Fernandes has developed into one of the most prolific midfielders in European football.

Sporting posted the following clip of some of his best moments in Lisbon:

1⃣ Top-scoring midfielder in Europe
⚽️ 32 goals in 53 games during 2018/2019 season
🏆🏆 League Cups
🏆 Portuguese Cup

Good luck and thank you, Captain @B_Fernandes8 🦁@ManUtd pic.twitter.com/mTjp3RyC02

— Sporting CP English (@SportingCP_en) January 29, 2020

With Paul Pogba injured for much of the 2019-20 season, the Red Devils have looked a little one-dimensional in midfield. In Fernandes, they now have someone who can bring a thrust and directness to the hub of the team.

While he's technically excellent and has sharp awareness, Fernandes isn't someone who manages the tempo of matches. The Portuguese is at his best when he picks the ball up in advanced areas and is able to drive forward in possession.

In the final third, he's always likely to make something happen, whether that be with an incisive pass to a team-mate or a strike towards goal.

As Squawka Football relayed, the 25-year-old is always seeking to test the goalkeeper:

Bruno Fernandes was directly involved in a shot once every 14.3 minutes in the Primeira Liga for Sporting CP:

→ 83 appearances
→ 271 shots attempted
→ 239 chances created

64 goals and 46 assists across all competitions in total. 🤯 pic.twitter.com/JrY4UQDARw

— Squawka (@Squawka) January 30, 2020

Scholes was that kind of player in the early stages of his United career, and as B/R Football's Rob Blanchette referenced, Fernandes is aware of the significance his new squad number carries:

Bruno Fernandes: "I just want to win. In football, I live to win. Every single game. No. 18 is my wife's birthday but it's also Paul Scholes' number. Having this shirt, I need to enjoy. I know I have a lot of responsibility (wearing it)" #WelcomeBruno #MUFC

— Rob Blanchette (@_Rob_B) January 31, 2020

If Fernandes makes his debut against Wolves, it will be a tough start to life in the Premier League, with compatriots Ruben Neves and Joao Moutinho set to line up in midfield for the opposition.

During his time at United, Scholes became one of the best players in the club's history, winning the Premier League title 11 times and the UEFA Champions League twice. The midfielder's nose for goals and passing range made him a crucial figure for numerous dominant Red Devils teams.

Given United's issues in recent years, if Fernandes can enjoy even a tiny portion of that kind of success, then he'll be an instant fan favourite.

Manchester United have landed former Watford striker Odion Ighalo on a last-minute loan deal on transfer deadline day, the club announced. 

According to The Athletic's David Ornstein, a deal has been agreed with Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua for a loan fee of £4 million. 

Per Ornstein, the loan deal goes through the end of the season and has no option to buy. Sky Sports previously reported the possibility of the deal going through was described as '50-50.'

Ighalo is currently in China preparing for the new season, which has been delayed due to the spreading of the Coronavirus. It's unclear when the season will start, which could explain why Shanghai are letting the 30-year-old leave on a short-term loan deal.

According to Ornstein, Ighalo will not complete a medical but is "fit to play."

Igahlo left Watford for China in 2017, where he has scored regularly for Changchun Yatai and Shanghai Shenhua. He netted 15 goals for the Hornets in his first Premier League campaign, the 2015-16 season.

United were looking for a replacement for the injured Marcus Rashford after Bournemouth rejected a bid for Joshua King earlier on deadline day, per Sky.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has said Manchester United are unlikely to do any more business before the end of the January transfer window.

The Red Devils completed the signing of Bruno Fernandes from Sporting CP on Thursday, and they are considering a second bid for Bournemouth striker Joshua King, per James Cooper of Sky Sports News. 

King would be a useful addition for United given top scorer Marcus Rashford is sidelined through injury.

However, speaking ahead of Wolverhampton Wanderers' visit to Old Trafford on Saturday, Solskjaer said he is happy with the forwards he has available, per Dominic Booth and Richard Fay of the Manchester Evening News:

"I am happy with [the forwards] I have here. And with Bruno coming in we can play in a different way maybe. And of course with the centre-backs coming back lately and what we've done with three at the back, that might be an option to tactically change a bit. I don't think we will do any more business, no. I don't think so."

Although Solskjaer has suggested a move for King won't happen, Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe left the door ajar.

"It's not my call at the end of the day," Howe said. "It's going to be between the chief executive and the owner of the football club, and that's why I said at the start I don't want to go too deep into it because a lot of these things are out of my control."

The Norwegian added that Fernandes will be involved against Wolves, although he hinted the midfielder will most likely appear from the bench:

"He's fit enough to play, and he will be involved, definitely he'll be in the squad. Let's get training out of the way today. He has had, of course, [a] few hectic days now, and even his daughter's third birthday yesterday. I don't know how much he'll be involved, but he'll be in the squad."

United have won two games in the past week, beating Tranmere Rovers 6-0 in the FA Cup fourth round and Manchester City 1-0 in the Carabao Cup semi-finals—although it wasn't enough to overturn a 3-1 defeat against the Citizens in the semi-final first leg.

However, in the Premier League, they have lost three of their past four matches, which is a big blow to their hopes of breaking into the top four.

In Solskjaer's United tenure of just over a year, he has come up against Nuno Espirito Santo on five occasions, losing twice, drawing twice and winning once. That victory came in United's most recent meeting with Wolves: January 15's FA Cup third-round replay at Old Trafford.

Another 1-0 victory would be a boon for United ahead of their visit to fourth-place Chelsea after their winter break.

If United are beaten by Wolves again, though, they could find themselves as low as eighth come the end of the weekend.

Nemanja Matic has said there are clubs interested in signing him if he is not handed a new contract with Manchester United past the end of the season. 

Matic's current deal at Old Trafford expires in June. United have an option to extend that contract by a year, or they could offer him new terms.

Alternatively, the 31-year-old could be let go and join another club for free.

Per Rob Dawson of ESPN FC, Matic has said he will have other options if he does leave United, but he is open to the prospect of continuing at the club:

"I've got a contract until the end of the season and we will see. I can't tell who is asking for me, but for sure when you play at Manchester United, many clubs are looking to sign you. That's not only me, it's for every player—especially when you're out of contract. My first option is Manchester United, but if they decide something else then there are always solutions. I'm at Carrington every day open to talk if they think I can help. If not, life will go on. For sure, there is always a solution. "

Matic joined United from Chelsea in June 2017, reuniting with Jose Mourinho, whom he had played under at Stamford Bridge.

Since the Portuguese manager was sacked late last year and succeeded by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the Serbian midfielder has been used more sparingly.

A combination of fitness issues and squad competition meant he started just two of United's opening 19 Premier League games of the 2019-20 season.

However, he has started each of their last five matches in the English top flight while Paul Pogba and Scott McTominay have been sidelined.

In Wednesday's 1-0 Carabao Cup semi-final victory over Manchester City, Matic both scored the only goal and got sent off.

He is not the player he once was, but Matic's blend of experience and composure could make him a valuable asset in a United midfield that continues to be understaffed despite the recent capture of Bruno Fernandes from Sporting Lisbon.

Given United have the option of extending Matic's current contract by a year, he may will still be at Old Trafford next season.

It is possible, though, that United could overhaul their midfield in the summer, especially as rumours continue to circulate that Pogba might leave the club, and Matic could be jettisoned in any squad shake-up.  

Manchester United could name Bruno Fernandes in their squad for Saturday's Premier League clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers at Old Trafford.

The Portugal international completed his transfer from Sporting CP to the Red Devils on Thursday, and manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will decide whether the big-money signing goes straight into his team.

United continue to operate with multiple injuries across their squad, and a lack of midfielders could force Fernandes' inclusion.

Wolves arrive in Manchester locked on 34 points with United. Nuno Espirito Santo's side could go clear in fifth if they secure three points.

            

Time: 5:30 p.m. GMT, 12:30 p.m. ET

Date: Saturday, February 1

TV: Sky Sports (UK), NBC (USA)

Stream:  Sky Go, NBC Sports App

Odds: United 6-5, Wolves 5-2, draw 11-5 (via Caesars)

            

Preview

The capture of Fernandes will have United fans excited ahead of Saturday's kick-off, and Solskjaer finally has a talent who can unlock defences.

United's lack of creativity and an eye-watering injury list have restricted the club from making the strides they desire.

Fernandes, 25, penned a five-and-a-half-year deal with his new side, and he will likely be given the licence to be the fulcrum of the attack.

Marcus Rashford's injury continues to restrict United's forward options, but Solskjaer could opt to play his new signing as a No. 10 behind Anthony Martial.

The Frenchman often finds himself isolated when Rashford is absent. However, the injection of Fernandes' progressive game could see Martial become the biggest benefactor.

United missed the opportunity to close the gap on fourth-placed Chelsea after a 2-0 loss to Burnley at Old Trafford, but cup victories over Tranmere Rovers and Manchester City have seen the team score seven without conceding.

The 1-0 Carabao Cup second-leg win at City wasn't enough to keep them in the competition, but Solskjaer will be pleased how his squad has responded to adversity once again.

Wolves took time to get going this season after the complication of UEFA Europa League matches. However, the club went on a run of just one loss in 14 in all competitions before a drop in form.

Nuno's men have won just one game in their last six, including a 1-0 FA Cup replay loss at United on January 15.

Wolves can now get revenge for their cup exit after creating plenty of chances to score against United during their recent visit.

The Molineux outfit have only scored more than one goal once in their past six games, and the team need to quickly rectify this.

All eyes will be on Fernandes if he makes it onto the pitch on Saturday, and Wolves' Portuguese core should know what to expect from the Premier League's latest major arrival.

Joao Moutinho, Ruben Neves, Diogo Jota and Rui Patricio have all played alongside Fernandes for their country.