Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has found a novel scapegoat for his club's paucity of penalties this season. 

In thinly-veiled comments on Friday, the United boss pinpointed Jurgen Klopp as the reason referees seemingly haven't been as keen to award spot kicks in his side's favour.

Despite a number of protests from Cristiano Ronaldo in particular, United are yet to be given a penalty kick this season. Nine other Premier League clubs are in the same boat.

Last season United won eleven penalties in the English top flight, second only to Leicester City.

In January, Liverpool boss Klopp compared his penalty record to his rivals at Old Trafford, claiming, "United "had more penalties in two years than I had in five-and-a-half years".

Speaking ahead of Saturday's Premier League meeting with Aston Villa, Solskjaer said, "We just have to hope that we get what we deserve."

"We should have had three penalties in the last two games. A certain manager last year was starting to worry about us getting penalties last season and after that, it seems like the decisions are more difficult to give.

"I've seen a big, big difference since then on. But we have to just leave that up to the referees and hopefully they'll make the right calls soon."

Before Klopp's comments, United were awarded six penalties in the Premier League last season, and five afterwards.

Meanwhile, Solskjaer confirmed his striking options against Villa will be boosted by the return of Edinson Cavani.

The Uruguayan is yet to feature this season, having scored 17 goals in all competitions last term.

"He is in the squad tomorrow," added Solskjaer. "He's been training and now he feels ready to contribute.

"He came on against Wolves and then he got a slight strain in the international break when we had a [behind closed doors] game.

"He is ready again, he has worked really hard and diligently as he always does and hopefully he will have an impact as he had last season."

Zebo named in Munster team for season opener at Thomond Park