Manchester United interim head coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s first-team selection will be difficult to predict but the feeling is that he may recall some of the team’s more creative players against Cardiff this weekend.

Like all managers though, he will have to contend with injuries, but the Norwegian could be in luck with United’s injury list.

After suffering from a bout of knocks, strains and other ailments in recent weeks, there are now just four left on the treatment table. Chris Smalling (foot) is close to making his return, while Luke Shaw (back) remains a doubt.

Scott McTominay (knock) has missed the last two games and is also touch and go for the weekend. Alexis Sanchez is out until the New Year with a hamstring injury.

For Cardiff, Danny Ward (knee) and Jazz Richards (hamstring) are both out, but Greg Cunningham could be back in contention after missing the last four league games due to a knock.

The bookmakers are backing Solksjaer to get off to a winning start as caretaker manager, with United 3/5 odds-on favourites at Sky Bet. A draw is the next likeliest outcome with Bet365 best priced at 16/5 while a victory for Cardiff is 11/2 at William Hill.

Manchester United’s Predicted XI To Face Cardiff:

De Gea, Dalot, Bailly, Lindelof, Young, Pogba, Matic, Fred, Rashford, Lukaku, Martial

Cardiff City’s Predicted XI:

Etheridge, Ecuele Manga, Morrison, Bamba, Bennett, Arter, Gunnarsson, Camarasa, Hoilett, Paterson, Murphy

Predicted Score – 2-1 to United