Manchester United team news: Alexis Sanchez in line for first Arsenal return

Sanchez has recovered from a hamstring problem and will be involved at the Emirates

Mark Critchley
Northern Football Correspondent
Thursday 24 January 2019 10:53 GMT
Comments
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's Manchester United aim for top four

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Alexis Sanchez will return to the Emirates for the first time as a Manchester United player on Friday night, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has confirmed.

The former Arsenal forward has struggled of late after suffering a recurrence of a hamstring injury but will be available for United’s trip to north London.

Sanchez is likely to receive a mixed reception from Arsenal’s supporters but Solskjaer believes the Chilean will thrive in a hostile atmosphere.

“He’ll be involved,” Solskjaer told MUTV, United’s in-house media channel.

“I think he’ll love it if the crowd turn against him. As a player, pride kicks in and you think ‘I’ll show all of you’.

“He’s been fantastic in training, his attitude has been spot on so hopefully he’ll enjoy the game.”

Solskjaer said on Friday that Marcos Rojo (knock) and Marouane Fellaini (hamstring) are the only United players out of contention for Friday’s FA Cup fourth round tie.

Luke Shaw pulled out of the warm-up before Saturday’s 2-1 win over Brighton and Hove Albion but is expected to return.

“He was ill, he just fell ill the night before,” Solskjaer said.

“[Chris] Smalling started training again so it’s only Rojo and Fellaini are the two I can’t call upon in this game.”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in