Solskjaer happy with his left-back options
Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has addressed the current situation regarding the left-back position.
Speaking in Friday’s press conference before the Premier League game with West Brom, the boss had particularly high praise for three of them men expected to battle it out for the spot as the campaign progresses.
Luke Shaw sustained a hamstring injury against Everton but is already on the road to recovery, while Alex Telles and Brandon Williams are probably vying for the right to replace him on Saturday night.
“We’ve got options at full-back, so I’m not worried about that,” said the boss.
United head into the game at Old Trafford without Shaw and his absence is sure to felt after a fine display at Goodison Park, and assists in consecutive matches - for Anthony Martial at Istanbul Basaksehir and Bruno Fernandes's equaliser on Merseyside.
“Luke was in very good form, he was, as all of us [were], getting momentum and getting better and better," said the manager. "I think we can see progression in his football, he trusts himself more, I think we’ve got more crosses and attacks from Luke lately.”
During Brazil’s recent World Cup qualifiers, Atletico Madrid’s Renan Lodi was the preferred option for the Selecao over United new boy Telles, and there was concern that Telles would be unable to play over conflicting COVID test results.
“He [Telles] has had a troubled time since he came," explained Ole. "He’s already been on two international breaks, had COVID after he played really well for the 70 minutes he played against PSG. He’s not really played for Brazil.”
“Brandon has been here and trained really well," he added. "I’m starting to see the Brandon I saw last season, which I have to see more. If he keeps doing what he did last season, he’ll be fine, and he’s done really well.”
Williams made 36 appearances in all competitions last season, including 11 starts in the Premier League and getting significant game-time during United’s Europa League run.Enter our United Predictions game if you think you can guess our starting XI.