Manchester United seeking 'special dispensation' to field this player against Newcastle United

Solksjaer’s team, embarrassingly beaten 6-1 by Tottenham Hotspur at the weekend, are 16th in the Premier League ahead of their October 17 visit to St James’s Park.

The club signed free agent Edinson Cavani on transfer deadline day, but the striker may not be involved against Newcastle United – as he could have to quarantine for 14 days following his move from France because of coronavirus guidelines.

Solksjaer, without the suspended Anthony Martial, had hoped to hand the 33-year-old his debut against Steve Bruce’s side, who are ninth in the table after taking seven points from their opening four Premier League games.

Most elite athletes are exempt from the quarantine rules, though Cavani, having been a free agent up to his transfer, may still have to self-isolate for the full period. Solksjaer, it’s reported, is seeking “special dispensation” to field Cavani against Newcastle.

A message from the Football Clubs Editor

Hi, our aim is to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative coverage of YOUR club every single day, home and away, 365 days a year.

This depth of NUFC coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to from the football team at the Shields Gazette, please consider taking out a subscription to our new sports-only package.

You'll find all the details at shieldsgazette.com/subscriptions/sports.

Your support is much appreciated.

Richard Mennear, Football Clubs Editor