Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said after his side’s goalless draw with Liverpool on Sunday that he had never experienced anything like the bad luck the Red Devils did in that encounter.

The Norwegian saw his side suffer an incredible four injuries over the course of the match, including three hamstring problems in the first half alone, which compelled him to use his substitutes early.

Jesse Lingard, Juan Mata, Ander Herrera and Marcus Rashford all sustained problems, with Solskjaer left to lament: “Everything that could have gone wrong first half did go wrong.”

His side showed character to take a point from the match, but with as many as 10 players set to miss the midweek trip to Crystal Palace, he has pinpointed a couple of underperforming stars he wishes to see step up.

“It's a chance for them to play to their potential,” Solskjaer said of Alexis Sanchez and Romelu Lukaku, neither of whom has featured regularly under him.

“Reputation is one thing; the potential is high and I'm sure of that because the two of them are good mates.

“They linked up between them against Arsenal in the FA Cup so hopefully Alexis and Rom can step up.

“This might be a chance for those two to find some form and give a selection headache for us when everyone gets fit again.”

Crystal Palace, meanwhile, are unlikely to prove straightforward opponents, with the Selhurst Park side on a roll currently.

Roy Hodgson celebrated becoming the oldest Premier League manager ever in style at the weekend as his side steamrollered Leicester 4-1 away from home, with ex-Manchester United man Wilfried Zaha grabbing a double.

Palace, who are only six points clear of the drop zone, are now undefeated in six in all competitions, with their last loss inflicted by Liverpool at Anfield.

They will see Wednesday’s fixture against a wounded rival as another opportunity to claim a big scalp and to take a giant step towards survival.