Manchester United Injury Hell - A Surprise Choice To Lead The Line Against Watford If Rashford And Lukaku Are Injured

Manchester United Injury Hell - A Surprise Choice To Lead The Line Against Watford If Rashford And Lukaku Are Injured
18:20, 23 Mar 2019

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer may have a real selection headache when his Manchester United squad arrive back from international duty, as the Norwegian boss may have to face Watford next Saturday without a recognised experienced striker.

Marcus Rashford is the latest United attacking star to pick up a knock, as the England international was ruled out of last night's 5-0 win over Czech Republic in the European Championships qualifier at Wembley.  It's not known whether Rashford will be fit for Monday night's clash with Montenegro, but if the in-form striker is absent then he has to be a big injury doubt for Watford next weekend in the Premier League.

Romelu Lukaku is in a similar position as Belgium boss Roberto Martinez ruled him out of their clash with Russia on Friday, while a decision will be made nearer to Monday's match with Cyprus.  Much like Rashford, if Lukaku fails to make that match then he is a doubt for United's next league game.

Alexis Sanchez has already been ruled out of action until April at the earliest, while Anthony Martial pulled out of French international duty, so Solskjaer has a ghastly situation in which he will have no recognised attacking striker for the home match with Watford.

If Solskjaer is unable to select any of that aforementioned quartet then he will be given his toughest test to date at the helm of Old Trafford, as he will need to try and send an attacking team out in a must-win clash, if they want to challenge for a top-four spot, but he will have no recognised star to lead the line.

Jesse Lingard, arguably United's most attack-minded player behind that quartet, has been suffering with injuries of late, so Solskjaer may have to blood one of this academy stars against the Hornets.

Tahith Chong and Mason Greenwood have both been handed an opportunity by Solskjaer during this injury-ravaged couple of months, and both were on the pitch when United produced a spectacular comeback in their Champions League victory over Paris Saint-Germain, and it could be a choice between one of those two young talents to lead the line.

19-year-old Chong has blossomed down the flanks in the United youth setup, but may not be handed a role as a forward, so it could be that Greenwood is the go-to man, as he looks to be the next star striker off the United academy production line.

At only 17, it would be a monumental task for Greenwood to pit his wits against the experienced defensive wall of Watford, but he's scored 13 goals in 12 Under 18 Premier League matches this season, as well as five goals in five games in the UEFA Youth League, so he will be high in confidence should he be given the nod.

Having only signed his professional contract at the Red Devils in October, Greenwood would be handed his toughest test to date, but down the years we have seen teenagers light up Old Trafford, and Greenwood would be able to gain some vital advice from Rashford, who only a few seasons ago burst on to the scene in a blaze of glory, so Solskjaer must back the exciting Greenwood to perform, should the injuries to the current attacking options persist.

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