Manchester United limped to a 1-1 draw last night at Old Trafford after a last-minute goal from A.C. Milan defender Simon Kjaer.
The result means the sides head to the San Siro next week on level terms, with the Italian outfit grabbing a priceless away goal.
Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer faced the press following a result which leaves United’s hopes of success in limbo.
On Amad Diallo
Amad Diallo scored his first goal for Manchester United last night following his mammoth move from Atalanta in January. The young Ivorian stooped to head United into the lead, becoming the club’s fourth youngest scorer in European competitions.
When asked about his development, Solskjaer said: "He [Amad] has come over here by himself but he is coming into training every day and he is working really hard. He knows he has a lot to learn. He is an exciting talent but he’ll have to get used to the tempo and the quality and the level he is playing at now."
He continued: "He [Amad] didn’t play too much for Atalanta either so we are gradually giving him more and more but he has been hungry to learn and his appetite in training has been spot on."
With the injury list growing by the day, it wouldn’t be too surprising to see the youngster given his full debut against West Ham on Sunday.
On Absentees
Solskjaer confirmed the status of a number of player currently missing through injury, a major problem United are currently weathering.
He said: "David [De Gea] is back in Manchester. So he is quarantining or self-isolating. He is touch and go for Sunday I think because I can’t really know when he came back so I am not really sure if it was Monday or Tuesday that he arrived back in Manchester."
He continued: "No I don’t think any of those [Pogba, Van de Beek & Mata] will be available [against West Ham]. We hope maybe before the International break. Maybe, but I'm not sure."
With such a number of casualties, all eyes will be on the United lineup on Sunday evening.
On Eric Bailly
Eric Bailly has been somewhat of a revelation this season, with his fitness resulting in a large number of appearances so far. However, with his contract running down, and his injury record still present, his future at United has been cast into doubt.
When asked about Bailly’s future, Solskjaer said: "Yes we are talking to Eric [Bailly] and Eric’s representatives [about a new contract]. He is keeping fitter for longer and you can see his performances as well and I have been very happy with him."
He continued: "His [Bailly] playing style has sometimes made him lose too many games because 100 games that is not enough for the period he has been here. He is getting more and more robust so yes he is one we are talking to [about a new contract]."
Should Bailly stay, can he cope with the pressure of staying fit and performing well to repay the club’s huge leap of faith?