Solskjaer forced into late change as Man Utd squad travel to Atalanta

Victor Lindelof has been ruled out of Manchester United's crucial Champions League game against Atalanta after picking up a knock in training.

The defender's absence is a blow to manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after he starred in a new-look back five in the 3-0 win against Tottenham on Saturday.

Discussing injuries ahead of the game, the Red Devils boss told the club's website : "When you have a fully fit squad at Man United there's always going to be good quality players not playing and that's been happening lately.

"Some players have to do with a place on the bench. You have to take the opportunity when you get it, you have to train well and I can't fault them.

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"The attitude, the motivation, all has to come from within. That's always going to happen at Man United, players are going to go through difficult spells when you're not playing.

"Your character is revealed and I'm pleased with most of mine. The training session this morning, everyone was there.

"There were a couple of little twinges in the training session but I don't think it'll be major."

Cristiano Ronaldo is heading back to Italy, where he spent three years with Juventus ( Image:

Manchester United via Getty Images)

It's unclear how long Lindelof will be out for or what system Solskjaer will deploy against Atalanta on Tuesday, with only three recognised centre-backs available.

The manager added: "I cannot give you the game-plan or the tactics but we have a squad to play many different ways.

"You can put any tactics out or system out, it was the players within it and how they executed the roles that was the difference on Saturday.

"The quality we played with was more important than the system."

Eric Bailly could fill in for Lindelof alongside Raphael Varane and Harry Maguire, while Paul Pogba, Anthony Martial and Donny van de Beek have all made the 25-man squad.

Solskjaer remains under significant pressure, despite their comprehensive victory against Spurs, and many United fans will be hoping he sticks with a back five.

Paul Pogba is available for selection after missing the game against Tottenham through suspension ( Image:

Manchester United via Getty Images)

Discussing Saturday's formation with the club's website, Lindelof said: "It felt good. I think we defended well.

"They didn't have a lot of chances, but I think as well as a team today we defended very well."

On United's defensive performance, the Swede added: "It was a good defensive game for us of course.

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"But we helped each other a lot, we covered each other's backs and I think that's the main part about today's game.

"I always say that if we keep a clean sheet we're always going to score goals and that's exactly what we did today.

"It was very important for us to as a team to keep a clean sheet and I think that's something we can build on."