The Ole Gunnar Solskjaer Manchester United press conference offered an update on the future of Jesse Lingard, explained his criticism of Son Heung-min last weekend, and discussed his team selection ahead of tomorrow’s Europa League clash with Granada.
Solskjaer Manchester United Press Conference: Lingard, Son and Injuries
Changes Tomorrow Due to Injuries, ‘Forced Rotation’
The United manager told the press that there would be some changes in tomorrow’s lineup. He confirmed that Eric Bailly is not fit for tomorrow’s game and that Axel Tuanzebe will start tomorrow.
On the decision to start Tuanzebe tomorrow, Solskjaer said in his Manchester United press conference: “Axel has always been a very positive and hard-working boy. Victor and Harry have formed a very good partnership, his chances have been limited. He is ready for this opportunity.”
He also said that he does not believe that the racial abuse Tuanzebe suffered on social media in January and February has affected the 23-year-old.
After the press conference, Simon Peach revealed that Marcus Rashford is a doubt for tomorrow’s game after sitting out training today, but that Daniel James is match-fit again.
Despite changes for tomorrow’s game, Solskjaer emphasised the importance of tomorrow’s clash, stating his intention to choose a team that will win tomorrow night: “We have to make sure we go through, I always pick a team I think will win a game.
“We will go into the game wanting to win this. We want to improve our performances. There will be a few changes, yeah. Some forced, some rotation.”
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer ‘Delighted’ for Lingard After Loan Away From Manchester United
The United boss was asked about the form of on-loan attacking midfielder Lingard, and whether the England international could have a future at the club he began his career at.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of tomorrow’s game against Granada, Manchester United manager, Solskjaer said: “Jesse has been brilliant since he left. We could have kept him, he has always got a part to play. Man United through and through, never caused me a problem.
“He deserved a chance to play more football, that is why we let him go to West Ham. We would welcome him back, we hope he will go to the Euros. I hope he has a strong finish to the league. It was different here. Bruno’s form in the same position. Delighted though for Jesse.”
Solskjaer offered little insight into whether Lingard will be leaving this summer, saying he isn’t focusing on transfers right now: “The transfer window will come when it comes. I am just focusing on finishing the season strong. Everyone in this job would like to do deals as soon as possible, but my focus is on winning games.”
‘Different Values’ Have Caused Mourinho Spat
The Norwegian was asked about his criticism of Son Heung-min after United’s 3-1 victory at Tottenham on Sunday. Solskjaer began a bizarre public disagreement with Spurs boss Jose Mourinho by claiming if his son reacted the way Son did to a foul he would not feed him.
Quizzed on whether his reaction was fair, Solskjaer said: “I think every manager has certain values. When I got sent off against Newcastle many, many years ago I thought I did the right thing for the club.
“Sir Alex Ferguson absolutely lambasted me after the game ‘We don’t win that way at Man United’. We want to win playing by the book.”
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