An Ole Gunnar Solskjaer press conference returned this afternoon with the Manchester United manager questioned by reporters ahead of Saturday’s Premier League opener v Leeds United.
Solskjaer revealed updates on the availability of his players, including Raphael Varane, whose transfer is not quite complete yet, and Jadon Sancho.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer Press Conference: Team News Update and More
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer Press Conference: Raphael Varane Absence Explained
France defender Raphael Varane, who is close to completing a transfer from Real Madrid to Manchester United, has not done so in time to make his debut at Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon.
Solskjaer told the press conference: “He hasn’t trained with us. Things take time. Not 100% done yet. He won’t be involved because he has not trained with us. The big hold up was the quarantine and the isolation – it will be done soon.”
Manchester United supporters will have to wait to see their man.
Paul Pogba Future
Solskjaer was again asked about Paul Pogba‘s situation at the club, with the Frenchman’s contract expiring in a year’s time, he responded: “He is a Man United player, one year left on contract. It’s been spoken and written about so often, every discussion I’ve had with Paul is a positive one, he knows what we want and hopefefully he keeps on in the background and they make decisions, it’ll always be like this with Paul, he’s a media magnet.”
Pogba played the second half of United’s 4-0 pre-season friendly win over Everton last weekend.
Jadon Sancho: Sharper Than Expected
A new United man in line to make his debut is England international forward Jadon Sancho.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has revealed he will be involved: “Jadon is going to be involved definitely, Good week, but was ill after his holiday. He has looked sharper than expected. Can’t tell you if he is going to start though.”
Manchester United fans are very much anticipating their new star man’s bow for the club and he could do no better than to impress v arch-rivals Leeds United.
Manchester United’s Premier League Title Aspirations
It’s the question on everybody’s lips, especially since Solskjaer signed a new contract last month. It’s time for Manchester United to deliver.
Solskjaer said: “Always pressure before every season. When you finish with pre-season one chunk of work is done. We have to get a good start.
“This club is about trophies, good football and we need to keep developing. The team looks hungry and we have done good business. First couple of games are always an unknown.”
The Norwegian added: “Well we have gradually closed the gaps. Nothing is beyond these players, I wouldn’t put it past them. It will need a very, very good season. You want to come to April and May and be in that.”
Anthony Martial Doing the Right Things Ahead of Important Season
Anthony Martial faces an important season at Manchester United. Having disappointed last season, a season that followed his best numbers to date. It was surely too poor to be true. In light of recent transfer speculation, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has revealed the French striker is looking good ahead of the new season: “I wouldn’t be surprised if other teams targeted Anthony because he is a very good player.
“Back strong and hungry to prove his quality. You can see that grit between his teeth again, he is up for the challenge. We are happy that we have him.”
Martial started the 4-0 win over Everton and could be competing with Mason Greenwood, in Edinson Cavani’s absence, to start v Leeds.
The 25-year-old is crying out for a big season with United. No doubt, the Red Devils will look elsewhere for a striker next summer, should Mason Greenwood or Martial not step up to the plate alongside Cavani this campaign.
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