Manchester United head to Huddersfield in late top four push

Manchester United must win at relegated Huddersfield Town to keep their chances of a top-four finish alive.

The Red Devils are three points behind fourth-placed Chelsea, and a point behind fifth-placed Arsenal, as they enter the final three games of the League campaign.

Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s side have won just twice in their last six Premier League outings and must win to keep pressure on teams in the top four of the standings.

However, the United boss faces no-easier opposition in attempting to overturn his side’s fortunes. The Terriers have won just three times this season (against Fulham and a double over Wolves), and have conceded a staggering 74 goals this term. Only Fulham have conceded more than the Yorkshire side.

Team news

Chris Smalling, Phil Jones and Jesse Lingard were absent for United’s draw with Chelsea last week, the trio are unlikely to feature at the John Smiths Stadium. Romelu Lukaku could also be sidelined with a knock.

Academy players Lee O’Connor, James Garner, Angel Gomes and Tahith Chong trained with the first team during the week, Antonio Valencia returned to training after an injury. Number two goalkeeper Sergio Romero (knee) is ruled out.

Huddersfield could be forced to play without goalkeeper Ben Hamer as the shot-stopper continues to battle an injury. Midfielder Aaron Mooy and striker Lauren Depoitre are also unlikely to feature.

From the bosses

United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjær cast his mind to long-term planning after a draw with Chelsea at Old Trafford last week made a top-four finish unlikely for the Red Devils.

“In long-term planning we have to think about being in the Champions League next year and the fact we might not be.

“You would be surprised how many players’ agents have been telling us their players would to be a part of Manchester United in the future.

“That is the lure and the potential and size of the club and we will get back to the good days.”

Huddersfield Town head coach Jan Siewart called for the Terriers to give the supporters something to cheer about in their final home game of the season.

“A win is always great. I think it would give us a good feeling and give something back to the supporters.

“To win games you need a winning feeling, it must be installed, and we are working on it.

“For me, it’s important because it would give us a big boost if we were to win this game.

“Of course, the players know they won it in the past. Now, we have to focus on the possibility to go into the last home game in the Premier League and make it special.”