Solskjaer explains decisions on Jones and Tuanzebe

Wednesday 28 July 2021 23:42

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will do everything in his power to make Phil Jones' return to action as smooth as possible, after 18 months of injury difficulties for the Manchester United centre-back.

The boss explained on Wednesday evening that Jones will be a part of the first-team centre-back group alongside incoming French defender Raphael Varane.

He also stated that the signing of Varane  which the club announced on Tuesday subject to the completion of personal terms and a medical  is likely to lead to a loan move for Axel Tuanzebe, who played well in United's exciting 2-2 friendly draw against Brentford.

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“Of course, with Raphael coming in, I can see Axel going out [on loan], because I have Varane, Maguire, Lindelof and Eric Bailly and Phil Jones is coming back in,” Solskjaer said.

With respect to Jones, Solskjaer provided the most detailed explanation of the 29-year-old defender's situation in a while.

“He is due to start training over the weekend when we’ve got everyone in on Monday, which is a big plus for him,” Ole revealed.

“I've had similar troubles in my career. He’s such a professional, good lad, and it’s great to see him ready to train again and hopefully he can first of all train with us and then hopefully get game time soon.

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The boss was delighted to speak about the incoming defender.

“If he can play in the Under-23s to start with, or we can arrange something behind closed doors for him, because I know exactly the feeling [of] being out for so long. You just want to feel your way in.

“He’s always served the club, but it was time for him to look after himself and his own health, but now he’s ready to train with us.”

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