Ruud hoping for midfield boost

The Reds host PAOK in the Europa League on Thursday before Leicester come back to Old Trafford next Sunday, in a repeat of Ruud’s first match as temporary boss – the 5-2 Carabao Cup victory over the Foxes.

Christian Eriksen was missing for that outing and his absence continued on Sunday, as the Dane was one of eight first-team players sidelined.

Ruud named four teenagers on his substitutes’ bench for Chelsea's visit and Jack Fletcher and Jayce Fitzgerald, both 17 and with no senior minutes to their names, were the only options in the middle of the park.

Victor Lindelof - usually a centre-back and occasionally deployed on the flanks of the defence - replaced Manuel Ugarte for the final 10…