{"id":584848,"date":"2021-02-24T11:51:56","date_gmt":"2021-02-24T16:51:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/?p=584848"},"modified":"2021-02-24T11:51:56","modified_gmt":"2021-02-24T16:51:56","slug":"ole-gunnar-solskjaer-erling-haaland-juan-mata","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/2021\/02\/24\/ole-gunnar-solskjaer-erling-haaland-juan-mata\/","title":{"rendered":"Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on Erling Haaland, Team News and Juan Mata"},"content":{"rendered":"

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer<\/a> added fuel to speculation about Erling Haaland<\/a>‘s future by telling reporters he is still in touch with the Borussia Dortmund<\/a> striker.<\/p>\n

Speaking ahead of tomorrow night’s Europa League<\/a> clash with Real Sociedad<\/a>, the Manchester United boss told the media<\/a> that he “keep(s) in touch with Erling” and that it is “great to see him become the player he has become”.<\/p>\n

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer Press Conference: Erling Haaland, Team News and Juan Mata<\/h2>\n

Solskjaer Wants to Respect Dortmund Despite Erling Haaland Comments<\/h3>\n

Solskjear worked with the Norwegian during his time in charge of Molde, where the pair spent the best part of two years together.<\/p>\n

As the 20-year-old has provided eye-catching performances this season, his well-reported\u00a0\u20ac75 million release clause<\/a> (valid from 2022) has meant he is constantly linked with Europe’s biggest clubs.<\/p>\n

The United manager refused to be drawn into speaking about a potential move for Haaland to United, saying: “I can’t speak too much about Erling – it’s disrespectful to say more than I know him and speak to him”.<\/p>\n

Solskjaer did however hint that United have been following the Norwegian’s progress: “He is a Dortmund player and we wish him well there. Let\u2019s see what life will bring later on. Who wasn’t interested in him a year ago? Everyone would say they’d take the best players in the world and Erling is a top player.”<\/p>\n

Dean Henderson and Juan Mata Latest<\/h3>\n

While much of the focus from the pre-match press conference has been taken on the Haaland quotes, Solskjaer was also asked about Dean Henderson<\/a> and Juan Mata<\/a>.<\/p>\n

When asked about Henderson, the United manager told the media<\/a>: “Any player’s job is to keep the manager happy. It is not a bad headache to have. Dean has matured throughout the season. The Real Sociedad performance for me was his most assured”.<\/p>\n

Asked about interest in Juan Mata, Solskjaer added: “I\u2019m not surprised that teams are interested in him. One, he is a very good footballer, and two, he is a fantastic human being. I am sure Juan has been able to speak to other clubs if he wanted to. We have a good dialogue”.<\/p>\n

Marcus Rashford Tribute and Team News<\/strong><\/h3>\n

As Marcus Rashford<\/a> made his debut for Manchester United five years ago, fittingly in a Europa League clash, Solskjaer paid tribute to Rashford: “He has had an incredible impact both on and off the pitch.<\/p>\n

“He has matured into a proper young man. He knows what it takes to be a United player both on and off it. He is living proof of what we want to do at the club.”<\/p>\n

The United boss updated the media on the fitness of the squad, saying that there have been no new injuries and ruled Donny van de Beek<\/a>, Edinson Cavani<\/a> and Scott McTominay out of Thursday’s (February 25) game.<\/p>\n

Daniel James Form<\/h3>\n

Daniel James<\/a> attended the press conference with his manager and was asked about his recent upturn in form, saying: “I wouldn\u2019t say it (good form early on last season) surprised me. My start was down to excitement and enjoyment.”<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is about not sticking head in the sand and trying to get back to the form I had at the start of my first season. I have still got so much to learn.”<\/p>\n

The Welshman also highlighted the squad’s hunger for trophies this season: “You’ve seen this season we are so hungry to pick up silverware. This season we want to go that bit further.”<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Main Photo
\nEmbed from Getty Images<\/a>