Facundo Pellistri and Alex Telles

Alex: It's a pleasure to be here!

Saturday 17 July 2021 09:00

Manchester United full-back Alex Telles is raring to get started, ahead of his second campaign in England.

The 28-year-old has been part of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s training squad for the last fortnight and, with Luke Shaw on holiday after England’s Euro 2020 exploits, will expect to play a big part in pre-season, which kicks off on Sunday with the trip to Derby County.

Telles made 24 appearances in his first season at United, most in front of empty stands due to COVID-19.

But with most restrictions set to end on Monday, he can’t wait to show what he can do in front of our supporters.

“I’m really happy to be back here,” Telles told United Daily. “It’s a pleasure to be at Manchester United coming into my second season.

“Last season, we came really close to winning trophies, so we go into this next season with a lot of desire and I really want to show my work and my value here at the club.

“I’m really looking forward to the game, I’m going into the game with a lot of desire,” the Brazilian added. “I think it’s a really great opportunity for us players who have been here for the last two weeks.

“It’s going to be a tough test but we’re really well prepared for it. We’ve been working really hard in training today, and this last week, and I believe it’s an opportunity to show my value my quality and my potential here at Manchester United.

“I know Manchester United Football Club and the fans really believe in me.”

Alex is one of the senior members of a pre-season squad which contains plenty of young prospects, with many of our usual first-teamers having taken part in the Euros or Copa America.

And he believes this time of year is vital in terms of laying the groundwork for what’s to come.

“Pre-season is really important for all of us players. It’s a time to prepare ourselves physically and psychologically.

“It’s where we get our bodies ready for everything that’s coming up and to be physically prepared for the entire season.

“It’s really important that we focus on our work, psychologically and mentally, and we get in our minds to understand what the coach wants from us. So it’s full focus.”

WATCH IT LIVE

The game against Derby kicks off at 13:00 BST on Sunday 18 July and fans can watch it live, exclusively on MUTV. To view the games on MUTV, subscribe today and enjoy 12 months for the price of six!

To claim this exclusive offer, go to mutv.manutd.com and enter the code MUTVTOUR21. Please note, this offer can only be claimed on mutv.manutd.com, not via the MUTV App.

You can also follow the game live, via the Official Man Utd App and the Match Centre on ManUtd.com.

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