Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku is struggling to make Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's first game in charge.

The Daily Mail says it's understood that Lukaku has spent this week on compassionate leave and is unlikely to return to the club until Boxing Day.

He will not be available to Solskjaer until United face Bournemouth on December 30.

The news is a blow for the 45-year-old Norwegian, who started a six-month stint in charge of United on Thursday.

Solskjaer is expected to restore Paul Pogba to the line-up at Cardiff on Saturday after telling the squad they will have a "clean slate" under him.