Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has suffered his first setback as Manchester United's caretaker manager, with star striker Romelu Lukaku set to miss his first two games in charge.
It is understood that Lukaku has spent this week on compassionate leave and is unlikely to return until December 30, ruling him out of two matches.
The news is a blow for the 45-year-old Norwegian, who started a six-month stint in charge of United on Thursday.
Solskjaer is expected to restore Paul Pogba to the line-up at Cardiff on Saturday after telling the squad they will have a 'clean slate' under him.
Star midfielder Pogba is one of a number of players who fell out with the sacked Jose Mourinho.
The French World Cup winner was dropped to the bench for United's last three Premier League games.
But Solksjaer insisted on Thursday: 'With the amount of games coming up, they will all have a chance to show they are Manchester United players.
'Everyone in the squad knows they have a chance now, because whatever has happened, it has happened. From now, everyone starts on a clean slate and we want players to perform.'
Solskjaer has returned to the club where he was revered as a goalscorer promising to put a smile back on people's faces after a miserable start to the season under Mourinho.
'It's been a whirlwind few days but it feels like coming home,' he added.
'It's six months and I'm going to enjoy the ride. I had the best teacher (Sir Alex Ferguson). The boss is and will always be the best, so my management revolves around what I learned from him.
'I know the club is in the process of finding a new manager and I'm going to be myself in the meantime.
'We just want to get the players enjoying football. We are playing for our supporters, playing for pride, playing for the club, it's history. To be honest, it's going to be very, very special, I have to say.
'I know this club and I understand this club. History, tradition, giving youngsters a chance to play football and winning.
'It's unbelievable how it has developed since I came in 1996. It's huge.
'It's the biggest club in the world, the best supporters in the world and we have the best players in the world.
'I've seen all the teams, so I know a little bit about them, but it's not about the opposition, it's about us.
'It's about Manchester United and making sure the players know what they can do.'
Eloisesam18
51
What I love about Ole is he is a super subs during his time under SAF. But he never complained about not getting a chance for playing in first eleven. He learned he still do training & loyal with the club even he is not the first choice. In fact every players those days don’t complain their position in the club. Started or subs they give their best. Why nowadays players always complaining? They don’t get playing time they complain. They don’t win the game they complain about the formation. Mostly are just a social media player more than a footballer. Too much time on their tweeter/Instagram/FB etc.... With or without Lukaku is no difference, he does not bring much influence to the team lately. He just failed to find his best again which I don’t know why🤷🏻♀️ Use Rashford or Martial. I think they both flexible on that position now. They can play left or striker. They get used to it.
Vezonic22
41
What???? I'm like “what's in the freaking world is wrong with that fella” and hope he'd better get it going. It's time to prove himself now or simply set his own exist from the club.
FieldMarshall
34
Not even Two games but hr should just have a compassionate long live,so that he work on his wait,rediscover himself again coz he seems confused before the post,Watch clips of best No9 on how they handle the in font of goal posts...Zlatan's clips can help him a lot..just to mention a few..Because Lukaku is just pathetic and he's gonna be a big burden for Ole Gunnar.. He is a player you can't count on, I would advise Ole Gunnar to mold Rushford for a 9 roll..Coz the kid is swift,he can dribble and even hold the ball between his Legs.. Lukaku is really wanting and now we don't want Joy-riders,we want people to perform,score goals, win the matches no matter home or away!