MANCHESTER UNITED will be without two key attackers when they travel to Tyneside to face Newcastle United on Saturday night.

Anthony Martial is unavailable because of suspension, with Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solksjaer having opted not to appeal against the Frenchman’s dismissal in his side’s thrashing by Tottenham.

Solksjaer will also be without recent signing Edinson Cavani as the Uruguayan is having to self-isolate because of coronavirus regulations following his arrival from France. Cavani’s isolation period stretches beyond the weekend, so he cannot be involved in Saturday’s game at St James’.

Solskjaer will have to shuffle his pack, with Odion Ighalo and Marcus Rashford the likeliest options to lead the line, even though neither has really excelled as an out-and-out centre-forward this season.

Ighalo is yet to break his goalscoring duck this term, while Rashford has been used as a wide attacker, cutting in from the flank to support a central striker. The 22-year-old has been filling a similar role for England boss Gareth Southgate during the current international break.

Manchester United’s players will be under considerable pressure this weekend as they currently find themselves sitting in 16th position in the Premier League table with just three points from their opening three matches.

Newcastle are ninth, with the 3-1 win over Burnley that preceded the international break having completed a reasonably successful start to the campaign.

Steve Bruce has had injury issues of his own to contend with, but the situation is beginning to improve, especially when it comes to the Magpies’ defence.

Jamaal Lascelles should be available after being forced to sit out the Burnley game, while Paul Dummett and Ciaran Clark are also edging their way back to full fitness after lengthy lay-offs. The duo might not make the Manchester United game, but it is hoped they will be back in full training before the end of the week.

Fabian Schar injured his shoulder against Burnley, but fears he may have suffered a recurrence of the problem that sidelined him for four months earlier this year have been allayed by his appearances for Switzerland.