Manchester United will have just 14 healthy senior players for Thursday night’s game against Chelsea, after Harry Maguire and Jadon Sancho were added to the injury list.

Captain Maguire is out with a knee injury, while winger Sancho has tonsillitis, with Paul Pogba, Fred, Edinson Cavani, and Luke Shaw all ruled out.

Ralf Rangnick, United’s interim manager, has already written off his team’s chances of finishing in the top four and qualifying for the Champions League next season.

Their chances of closing the season on a high note in the final four games will be hampered by a number of crucial absences, with a number of youngsters poised to be called in.

However, it will present a fantastic opportunity for young and marginal players to impress new manager Erik ten Hag against a Chelsea team that is expected to finish in the top four.

‘Fred is unfortunately not yet available,’ Rangnick stated.

“He attempted to train yesterday, and I spoke with him afterward, and with a player like Fred, it doesn’t make sense to play him too soon with a muscular issue because he would risk re-injury.”

“Harry Maguire is out with a knee injury and did not exercise yesterday or today. Paul, of course, as well as Fred, Edinson, Luke Shaw, and Jadon. He was unable to train yesterday due to tonsillitis”, he added.

‘They should get the opportunity to play well and execute well, and the timing should be good.’ We shall make every effort to field the greatest possible team.’

‘Right now, we have 14 players in our pro team and four young players available, and three or four [young] players will be included in the roster.’

Rangnick urged ‘realism’ about United’s condition, with games against Chelsea, Brentford, Brighton, and Crystal Palace remaining, and United having to make up six points to Arsenal in fourth.

‘I don’t think it makes sense to speak and speculate about the Champions League,’ he remarked. ‘We must be realistic.’

‘Even if we win four games, we don’t have a chance. Even for next season, it’s critical to finish on a high note. We still have four games to play.’

‘The next two games are at home, and we will surely strive to collect as many points and win as many games as we can.’

“To accomplish this, we must perform at the highest level possible. We know that if we play well, we can win the game tomorrow”, he explained.