MX23RW : Wednesday, June 12 15:35:27| >> :60:2172:2172:

Man United expected to have Edinson Cavani back for Palace clash

Manchester United face another trip to the capital just days after Sunday's controversial draw at Stamford Bridge.

Manchester United striker Edinson Cavani is in line to return at Crystal Palace as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men head back to London just days after the contentious draw with Chelsea.

The second-placed Red Devils now sit an eye-watering 12 points behind Premier League leaders Manchester City following Sunday's 0-0 draw at Stamford Bridge.

Solskjaer felt United were denied a clear first-half penalty when referee Stuart Attwell reviewed a handball by Callum Hudson-Odoi on the advice of the video assistant referee, only to opt against pointing to the spot.

Luke Shaw has avoided Football Association punishment for his post-match comments about Attwell, as did the United boss, who has quickly refocused on Wednesday's trip to Selhurst Park.

Manchester United felt they should have had a penalty on Sunday
Manchester United felt they should have had a penalty on Sunday (Ian Walton/PA)

"That's water under the bridge," Solskjaer said. "You move onto the next one.

"We all know it's a high-pressure situation and we just have to accept decisions when they're made and we move on.

"All my focus after the game has just been on Palace. I've not looked back at all on that."

Asked about players surrounding Attwell as he reviewed the pitchside monitor, the Norwegian said: "I think the refs have a difficult enough job without extra pressure.

Stuart Attwell decided against awarding a penalty after reviewing footage
Stuart Attwell decided against awarding a penalty after reviewing footage (Andy Rain/PA)

"We should just leave them to it, make as many good decisions as they can."

Sunday's draw means United have won just two of their last seven Premier League matches, seeing them slip off the top and well behind relentless neighbours City – a drop that Solskjaer insists pressure had nothing to do with.

"Not at all, that's the Premier League," Solskjaer said. "The pressure has not been there at all.

"Of course we enjoy being as close to the top as possible but that's the Premier League for you.

"That's quality of the opposition, the quality of the tactics, the standards, the demands of the season.

"We've played I don't how many games but we're in the Europa League, we're in the FA Cup, Premier League and it's the strangest year of all for everyone. So, pressure? No. It's just that's the Premier League."

Solskjaer's side are set to be boosted by the return Cavani against Palace after the veteran striker's four-game absence with a muscle complaint.

"We've had a training session this morning," the United boss said. "Of course it was a light one.

Edinson Cavani has not played since the 1-1 draw at West Brom on February 14
Edinson Cavani has not played since the 1-1 draw at West Brom on February 14 (Michael Steele/PA)

"We're looking OK. There's a couple of doubts for (Wednesday) that we have to give as much time as possible.

"Edinson trained, he joined in so that's good. Let's hope there's no reaction after the session. Hopefully he will travel with the squad."

Juan Mata and Hannibal Mejbri remain absent for Wednesday's match, as does Paul Pogba due to the thigh complaint sustained against Everton on February 6.

"Paul is still not ready for us," Solskjaer said. "He's feeling better.

"He's not been training with the team yet so he's definitely not travelling down to London."

While Pogba's return to action edges closer, it is unclear when long-serving defender Phil Jones will next line up for United.

The 29-year-old has not played for the club since the FA Cup fourth-round win at Tranmere in January 2020 and underwent knee surgery over the summer.

Jones has now been added to the Premier League and Europa League squads, but Solskjaer – a man who knows a thing or two about knee injuries – is not sure when the England international will return.

Phil Jones' last appearance came 13 months ago against Tranmere
Phil Jones' last appearance came 13 months ago against Tranmere (Simon Cooper/PA)

On the potential of Jones featuring this season, Solskjaer said: "With Phil, obviously we hope so but he's working really hard.

"He's had a couple of setbacks and it's just that kind of injury that you have to be patient and give him time. I know all about knee injuries.

"I'm not sure (when he will be back). How long is a piece of rope? That's how I felt as well when I came back.

"So (we'll) give him absolutely every chance to get back this season. If not, hopefully for the start of next."

ID:437465: cacheID:437465:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:19105:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Andre Silva celebrates scoring for Eintracht Frankfurt on January 30, 2021
Read Next:
Andre Silva 'motivated' by Manchester United links
>
rhs 2.0
Euro 2024 fixtures header
Friday, June 14
 
8pm
Saturday, June 15
 
2pm
 
5pm
 
8pm
Sunday, June 16
 
2pm
 
5pm
 
8pm
Monday, June 17
 
2pm
 
5pm
 
8pm
Tuesday, June 18
 
5pm
Wednesday, June 19
 
2pm
 
5pm
 
8pm
Thursday, June 20
 
2pm
 
5pm
 
8pm
Group Stage
Spain
vs.
Italy
Friday, June 21
 
2pm
 
5pm
 
8pm
Saturday, June 22
 
5pm
 
8pm
Sunday, June 23
 
8pm
 
8pm
Monday, June 24
 
8pm
 
8pm
Tuesday, June 25
 
5pm
 
5pm
 
8pm
 
8pm
Wednesday, June 26
 
5pm
 
5pm
 
8pm
 
8pm
Saturday, June 29
Sunday, June 30
Monday, July 1
Tuesday, July 2
Friday, July 5
Saturday, July 6
Tables header RHS

Group A

TeamPWDLPTS
1 Germany Germany00000
2 Hungary Hungary00000
3 Scotland flag Scotland00000
4 Switzerland Switzerland00000

Group B

TeamPWDLPTS
1 Albania national flag Albania00000
2 Croatia Croatia00000
3 Italy Italy00000
4 Spain Spain00000

Group C

TeamPWDLPTS
1 Denmark Denmark00000
2 England flag England00000
3 Serbia Serbia00000
4 Slovenia Slovenia00000

Group D

TeamPWDLPTS
1 Austria Austria00000
2 France France00000
3 Netherlands Netherlands00000
4 Poland Poland00000

Group E

TeamPWDLPTS
1 Belgium Belgium00000
2 Romania Romania00000
3 Slovakia Slovakia00000
4 Ukraine Ukraine00000

Group F

TeamPWDLPTS
1 Czech Republic Czech Republic00000
2 Georgia Georgia00000
3 Portugal Portugal00000
4 Turkey Turkey00000


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!