United duo may make shock return against Reds

Manchester United have received a big boost ahead of their clash with Liverpool as it’s emerged Jesse Lingard and Anthony Martial could now be fit for Sunday’s Old Trafford showdown after all.

The pair had initially been ruled out for three weeks after picking up hamstring and groin injuries respectively against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League knockout stages 10 days ago.

However, the pair have recovered in half the time and apparently have a good chance of facing Liverpool this weekend as United look to continue their fine run of form under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and consolidate their top-four Premier League place (Manchester United 21/10, Liverpool 7/5, draw 5/2 – Match odds).

“Jesse is looking OK. I hope with Anthony,” said Solskjaer. “Anthony’s was a different muscle, so we think he might be ready and hope that Jesse will.

“We’ve got two more days so they’ve got to get through these two sessions. They’ve not been part of training yet but they’ve been doing some recovery work.”

The reverse fixture before Christmas spelled the end of Jose Mourinho’s time in charge of the club after they were beaten 3-1 at Anfield in a comfortable win for Jurgen Klopp’s side.

However, things have taken a dramatic upturn at old Trafford with Solskjaer presiding over eight wins out of nine games in the Premier League since replacing Mourinho (Manchester United to finish in the top four – EVS).

Liverpool have also lost the lead in the Premier League in that time, with successive draws against Leicester and West Ham allowing Manchester City though the back door to regain top spot. The Reds do have a game in hand as it stands – which is Sunday’s trip to Old Trafford as City play in the Carabao Cup final against Chelsea on Wembley later in the day (Liverpool to win Premier League – 11/8).

Despite the immense rivalry between the two clubs, Solskjaer days he has no intention of trying to paly mind games to defeat Klopp’s team on Sunday.

“I don’t think Jurgen Klopp will read what I say, I am not going to read what he says. That’s further down the line, I would think,” he added.

“I think our players know what it means for everyone at Man United.”

Odds subject to change.