Ole Gunnar Solskjær has discussed everything Paul Pogba, Raphael Varane and Jadon Sancho before Manchester United’s trip to Southampton this weekend, where they hope to continue their winning start to the Premier League season.
The Red Devils hammered Leeds United 5-1 on the opening day of the campaign, and Pogba was the core of everything and helped with four goals, while Bruno Fernandes scored a hat trick.
Episode 1 has just been dropped, and soon you will be able to find it in all the places where you usually get your podcasts.
Until then, here’s a link. You can also find the one who lives in everything United on @ 90min_Football’s website.
Hope you like it? ⚪️⚫️https: //t.co/TrPpXszVxe
– Scott Saunders (@_scottsaunders) August 18, 2021
Solskjaer will expect his players to have a similar display on Sunday afternoon, as they travel to the south coast to take on Southampton.
The Norwegian coach was in a good mood during his pre-match press conference before the trip to St Mary’s, where he discussed Pogba’s role on the Man Utd side, and the possibility of seeing Sancho and Varane in action this weekend.
Here are the best pieces from Solskjaer’s press conference.
All-star display / Catherine Ivill / Getty Images
Solskjær was full of praise for Pogba’s showing with four assists in the 5-1 victory over Leeds, but he insisted that “a swallow never makes a summer” and encouraged the Frenchman to build on that performance and improve.
“For me, Paul and I work together every day and we keep trying to improve, improve the team and thrive. We just have to make sure we do not make this game and everyone flies away with the big headlines.
“It’s about bringing the energy and getting even better. A swallow never makes a summer.”
Ready to make a name for yourself in Manchester / Catherine Ivill / Getty Images
In addition to obvious interest in Pogba, the Norwegian was also asked about Varane’s time in Manchester so far, and what exactly he likes about the former Real Madrid star.
“I think if you’ve been following football for the last ten years, that’s why we wanted to sign him. During his career, it’s no secret that we were close when he left Lens ten years ago. Sir Alex Ferguson was there and talked to them, we were close, and ever since his performances on the pitch, behavior and behavior off the pitch tell me that he is a Man Utd player, says Solskjær.
“Everything about him is class. Fast, strong, good in the air, can play with both feet – the short answer is: everything about him is what you want. He has been humble, he is curious, he asks questions, he does not wants to learn from a mistake in the game, he wants to learn it on the training field, everything about him has been impressive. “
We present our latest summer reinforcements! ⚔️? @ Sanchooo10 x @ RaphaelVarane # MUFC pic.twitter.com/RGTdp2ToMH
– Manchester United (@ManUtd) 16 August 2021
But what about the clash with Southampton on Sunday? Will Varane play a role, and how close is the new recruiter Jadon Sancho to breaking into the starting lineup for the Red Devils?
“Well, you get to see on Sunday [Varane and Sancho]. They have worked well, they have had minutes, we have had a very good week ourselves and we will see who flies down on Saturday. “
Cavani is back in training / BSR Agency / Getty Images
One man who is on his way back is Edinson Cavani. The Uruguayan forward was given extra time away from the club due to personal reasons after Uruguay was knocked out of the Copa America, but he is back in training for the Red Devils.
Edinsons always took care of himself. Of course he lacks team training, football training but he has taken care of himself and you can see that.
“He had various reasons why he was late, personal reasons, but his body tolerates a lot. It was not that he needed the extra days physically. He hugs a little, he’s ready to go and let’s see how much we can get out of him early. ”
Lingard’s Man Utd career is not over / Matthew Ashton – AMA / Getty Images
Solskjær also offered an explanation of Lingard’s significance for the squad and emphasized that the 28-year-old’s priority is to return to the Man Utd starting line-up. The coach also insisted that the former West Ham loaner has “a big role to play” this season.
“I think Jesse is the first priority to join our team,” Ole said. “I think when your employer is Man United, I think it’s your first priority and always is.
“I think we can have fantastic moments together. Of course, as a manager, with players in a squad like I have now, it’s difficult. It’s hard to say ‘you are not playing this weekend’.
“Of course I have to hand out players, regardless of starting XI but from the squad. But they must all remember and know that they will have to play a role if we are to succeed.
“Jesse is back in his condition, he played really well in the match behind closed doors on Tuesday and he has returned bubbling and in good shape. He has a big role to play. ”
Fernandes will be the key to Man Utd’s attack / Catherine Ivill / Getty Images
Solskjaer challenged their players to start fast against Southampton on Saturday, and not trust to come from behind as they so often did last season.
“It will be a big difference [return of crowds], I do not know how many points, but we won so many that went down a goal and you can not afford to do it with fans away, says Solskjær.
“We have the best away fans in the world but we can only hear them if we play well and start well. It will not happen during the first match at St Mary’s in 18 months, but it is up to us to do that as well. “
