Antrim's Paddy McNair could get a chance to put his nightmare against Southampton behind him sooner rather than later, after the news that Chris Smalling could be out for United's next two games.
Smalling was an early injury on Monday night with a muscle problem, and although the injury is not as bad as feared, he looks set to miss Sunday's visit of Liverpool, as well as the meeting with Aston Villa the following week.
But the centre back could return in time for the busy Christmas period, with United taking on Newcastle on St Stephen's Day.
However, United were boosted on Monday with the return to action of Jonny Evans, who replaced Smalling after 18 minutes at St Mary's.
