Manchester United left to wait on Donny van de Beek and Edinson Cavani injuries ahead of Newcastle
Van de Beek and Cavani missed Europa League trip due to muscular problems
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.Donny van de Beek and Edinson Cavani have a chance of playing against Newcastle on Sunday but face late fitness assessments.
The Manchester United pair missed Thursday's dominant 4-0 Europa League win over Real Sociedad with muscle injuries and stayed at home while Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's squad travelled to Turin.
Scott McTominay started the last-32 tie at the Allianz Stadium despite being a pre-match doubt, but only lasted 60 minutes before being replaced by Nemanja Matic.
Read more: The first 12 minutes of Amad’s Manchester United career, under the microscope
United were also without Paul Pogba, who is unlikely to play again this month while recovering from a thigh injury, and long-term absentee Phil Jones.
Solskjaer hopes that Van de Beek and Cavani will be available when Newcastle visit Old Trafford on Sunday, but is unsure whether the pair will be able to recover in time.
"Paul is out, Phil is out, I don’t know how Scott is, don’t know how Edinson and Donny will be either," Solskjaer said after the final whistle on Thursday night.
"They have a chance I think. We just have to give them until before training on Saturday, because Saturday we need to pick a team so we will see how they are, hopefully they can both be available."
Solskjaer also said that he is ready to "sit down and speak" with Cavani about extending his United stay into a second season.
The Uruguayan's contract is set to expire in this summer but United have the option of automatically triggering a one-year extension.
Cavani has impressed since joining as a free agent in October, scoring six goals in 17 appearances and acting as a mentor to some of the younger players in United's squad.
"I can only say Edinson has done well," Solskjaer said.
"I’ve been impressed by him, he’s really gelled in the group and we’ll sit down and speak with him in the near future to see his plans and our plans.
"It’s a good discussion to have. We always speak to the players and with his contract situation at the moment we’re very pleased with what he’s done."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments