Man Utd boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer gives verdict on Edinson Cavani training sessions so far
Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has spoken out on Edinson Cavani ahead of his side's Premier League showdown with Chelsea on Saturday night.
Man Utd: Edinson Cavani transfer is a ‘win-win’ says expert
Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has hailed Edinson Cavani’s training sessions so far. The Uruguay international arrived on a free transfer from PSG on deadline day. And he could feature when the Red Devils face off against Chelsea on Saturday night.
Manchester United signed Cavani late on in the transfer window, having previously been hoping to bring Jadon Sancho to Old Trafford.
The Uruguay international is yet to feature for the Red Devils, missing their recent victories over both Newcastle and PSG.
United are signing one of Europe’s most-established forwards in Cavani and hope he can replicate the success of former team-mate Zlatan Ibrahimovic at the club.
And Solskjaer, speaking ahead of his side’s Premier League clash, has been delighted with what he’s seen from the 33-year-old so far.
“He might be ready for the squad as well for this weekend,” he told the club’s official website.
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Solskjaer also admitted he was hopeful that United would have Harry Maguire and Mason Greenwood available for the match against Chelsea, with the pair missing the PSG game.
“No, there is nothing that we’ve struggled with after the game,” he said.
“Of course, there’s tiredness of the travel and little aches and pains but I think everyone should be ready for the weekend.
“We’re still hoping Mason and Harry can be available in the squad.
“Of course, we have a training session today [Friday], so they’re going to have to go through that.
“Eric [Bailly] won’t be available. Jesse [Lingard] won’t be available so we’ll manage without them for a few weeks I think.”
Many United supporters are hoping that Solskjaer picks Donny van de Beek more, with the Netherlands international being benched for all of their Premier League matches so far.
And Solskjaer said of the former Ajax star: "Donny's fit enough but of course it's competition for places, it's giving him time to settle in and adjust to his new teammates, it's a new league.
"He's an absolutely top footballer and top personality, so humble and hard-working but also he’s of course eager to play more.
"You'll see him throughout the season, it’s going to be a long, long season and you'll see him. He’s impressed me."
Solskjaer also defended Mason Greenwood amid reports his lateness had caused alarm within Old Trafford.
The Norwegian said: “We have a great record and tradition of bringing our players through, that means from early on you get good habits, you express yourselves, Mason’s come through this programme, done fantastic and will be kicking on I’m sure, he’s a very exciting boy to work with.
“You do [make a target for yourself] when you play well and I’m not concerned at all with Mason making a target for himself. H he came in, played fantastic, he made his first start against Tottenham last season, was brilliant, kicked on.
“He made a mistake for England and suddenly English press go after him.
“I have to disappoint you... he’s never ever late for training. I’ve seen some ex United players talking about him and they don’t know what they’re talking about and they can see every day. I don’t know where these stories have come from.
“He’s got a good family behind him, academy and he’s a good trainer and I cannot believe all these stories about him not being professional, that’s something we have to deal with many players, many other players at United have had that.”
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