Manchester United Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has explained that Ivorian defender Eric Bailly was supposed to play in the midweek game against Sheffield United.

Solskjaer said he was forced to withdrawal Bailly because he picked a minor injury before the game at Old Trafford.

“Eric was down to play this game but he got a bang yesterday and is sore and bruised,” Ole told MUTV’s Stewart Gardner. “It’s unfortunate for him.”

The manager instead turned to Axel Tuanzebe to partner skipper Harry Maguire in defence. United lost the game 2-1.

United website reports that Bailly was due to start, as Victor Lindelof’s is still sidelined by a back problem.

Bailly, who last featured against Fulham, might be available for Saturday’s game with the Gunners.