Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Ole reveals team news for Saints encounter

Friday 20 August 2021 13:30

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has provided an update on his plans for Sunday's first away match of the Premier League season at Southampton.

Fans will be eager to see new man Raphael Varane in action, while Jadon Sancho is also pushing for a maiden start after making a brief cameo in last weekend’s 5-1 win over Leeds.

Edinson Cavani is also in contention for a first appearance of the season, and it seems as though all three will be available at St Mary’s, but the boss is keeping his cards close to his chest for now.

Press Conference: Southampton (A) Video

Press Conference: Southampton (A)

The boss spoke about Varane, Cavani, young players, COVID-19 vaccines and more during his media briefing ahead of Southampton…

“With regard to team news, that’s a boost as well, Edinson’s joined in, Raphael’s joined in and we’re getting fitter and fitter,” said Ole at his pre-match press conference.

“You’ll see on Sunday. They’ve worked well. They’ve had minutes. We’ve had a very good week ourselves. We’ll see who’s making the flight down to Southampton on Saturday.”

Amad and Eric Bailly have returned to training this week after their time at the Olympics, while Jesse Lingard is fit and ready to play a part once again.

He has recovered from his COVID-19 diagnosis and scored during the 3-1 friendly win over Burnley this week.

Dean Henderson is also back working at Carrington after contracting the virus.

“With regards to Dean, he was tired after trainings. He felt that. We needed to check him up. Now he feels much better. He’s passed all the tests we’ve gone through with him.

“He’s training and building himself up again because he’s lost a few weeks. He’s working hard in the gym, working hard on the grass.”

Marcus Rashford and Alex Telles are still absent through injury.

Revealed: The kit we'll debut on Sunday

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See which new colours United will sport at St Mary's, when Raphael Varane could potentially make his debut.

TEAM NEWS FROM THE SAINTS

The home side received a welcome boost before the weekend with the news that influential England midfielder James Ward-Prowse has committed his future to the club after transfer speculation for much of the summer.

Manager Ralph Hasenhuttl does not appear to have too many injury concerns, aside from midfielder Will Smallbone and Sam McQueen, who is still battling to get back into action after a long lay-off.

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