Alex Telles

Ole: 'Experienced' Telles helped Elanga

Wednesday 12 May 2021 09:19

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has praised Alex Telles for acting as a guiding hand to 19-year-old Anthony Elanga in Tuesday night's defeat to Leicester City.

The boss admitted that Telles hasn't played as much as the Brazilian would have liked after his move from FC Porto last summer, but that he remains a key part of the squad.

This was Alex's first Premier League appearance since late January but the 28-year-old has been a regular in European and domestic cup competition.

"I think anyone who doesn't play as much as they'd like would be frustrated and disappointed," Ole told reporters post-match.

Ole's press conference after United 1 Leicester 2 Video

Ole's press conference after United 1 Leicester 2

See how the manager answered journalists' questions during his post-match press conference...

"Alex is a very good lad, I've had conversations with him, of course. He knows that when you're at Man United you're challenging against the very best for a place and Luke has had a fantastic season and has kept fit for longer, but Alex, whenever he's played, has done really well."

Solskjaer was particularly keen to point out the influence that Telles has on young players in front of him. On Tuesday evening, it was Elanga, making his debut for the club after an exciting campaign with the Under-23s.

"I was really pleased with him today, you could see his experience out there, in behind Anthony," Ole said.

"It was important for Anthony to have Alex behind him to help him."

Having played in 10 of United's 14 European games this season, Telles will be eager to make an impression ahead of the UEFA Europa League final with an eye to making the starting line-up.

Matic: Amad and Elanga will be great for us

 Article

Tuesday night's skipper Nemanja Matic was full of praise for our youngsters despite our loss to Leicester.

United have three league games before traveling to Gdansk, Poland for the 26 May final.

First up is Liverpool on Thursday night before matches against Fulham and Wolves close the Premier League season.

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