James a doubt for Astana clash

Dan James has scored four goals in his

last seven appearances for club and country.

(Photo: Getty Images)

Daniel James is “touch and go” to play in Manchester United’s opening Europa League match at home to Astana on Thursday night. The winger missed training on Wednesday, and may be out for several days, putting his place in the side at risk for the league game against West Ham on Sunday.

Dan is touch and go. He missed training today and [his recovery] might be longer than expected but hopefully [he’ll be back for] the weekend. - Ole Gunnar Solskjær

Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjær had planned to use the match to give valuable playing time to some of his fringe squad members, but with James joining Anthony Martial and Jesse Lingard on the physio’s table, and Alexis Sánchez on loan to Internazionale, Solskjær may have to look to youth to fill the Welshman’s spot on the left flank.

Wide men Angel Gomes and Tahith Chong have just one substitute appearance between them in 2019/20 and will be hungry for the opportunity to stake a claim for more regular first-team football.

United are appearing in the Europa League group stage for the first time since they won the competition under José Mourinho in 2016/17 and Thursday’s match will be their first ever against Kazakhstani opposition.