IT'S NOT FAIR! Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer bemoans unfair schedule as Frank Lampard's Chelsea get two extra days to prepare for FA Cup semi-final
* Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says it is unfair Chelsea get more time before FA Cup semi
* United face Crystal Palace on Thursday while Chelsea have had five days rest
* Solskjaer is monitoring Paul Pogba's condition after his recovery from injury
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer believes it's unfair that Chelsea have 48 hours longer than Manchester United to prepare for Sunday's FA Cup semi-final.
United face Crystal Palace in the Premier League at Selhurst Park on Thursday less than three days before the Wembley clash, while Chelsea will have had five days' rest from their win over Norwich on Tuesday.
Solskjaer claims that will give Frank Lampard's side an advantage as both clubs prepare for their ninth game in a month since the restart.
Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer complained ahead of FA Cup tie with Chelsea. Solskjaer claimed it is unfair that Chelsea get two more days to prepare for FA Cup semi-final
'It's not fair,' said the United boss. 'There is a concern obviously that they will have had 48 hours more rest and recovery than us.
'We spoke about a fair scheduling going into this restart and, of course, it isn't.
'Forty-eight hours is a big difference at this time (of the season) so we've not been handed four aces, to put it that way. We're going to have to put on a poker face and play the cards well.
'I have to think about Thursday, focus on winning that one and then pick up the pieces after that. The team selection is based on Thursday. Sunday is irrelevant.'
After naming the same line-up for the last five league games, Solskjaer must decide whether to risk Luke Shaw and Mason Greenwood who both sustained ankle injuries in Monday's draw with Southampton.
United will play Crystal Palace on Thursday night, three days before their FA Cup semi-final. United will also monitor Paul Pogba's condition over concerns he has played too much football
Greenwood is suffering the effects of a late challenge from midfielder Oriol Romeu that Solskjaer thought may have warranted a red card.
Brandon Williams should be available to replace Shaw if needed after having stitches in the facial wound that forced him to go off.
'Luke and Mason, their ankles are swollen and a bit blown up. I'll give them as much recovery time as possible to give them a chance,' added Solskjaer.
'Obviously Mason carried on and I think it should have been looked upon by the referee definitely. In the heat of the moment he played on and adrenaline gets you going, and then you get a little bit of reaction after.'
United will also monitor Paul Pogba's condition over concerns the Frenchman has been playing too much football after recovering from a long-term ankle injury.
Pogba, who has featured in all seven of United's games since the restart, was guilty of giving the ball away for Southampton's first goal after declaring himself fit to play.
'I've been speaking more or less every day with Paul,' said Solskjaer. 'He knows that he wouldn't be dropped. When Paul plays like this he wouldn't be dropped from any team in the world — France or Man United.
'But he's been out for a long, long time. There was a question mark before the game but he felt ready for it which was great. So now let's see how he is today or even tomorrow morning.'
Dropping two points in their quest for Champions League qualification was United's first real disappointment since returning to action after the lockdown and extending an 18-match unbeaten run.
They have three games left to reach the top four and Solskjaer said: 'A little bit of a setback is a test for our mentality. It almost always boils down to the last couple of weeks at Man United.'
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