Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer faced the media as his side prepare for their FA Cup quarter-final clash with Leicester City.
The Red Devils head into the tie off the back of an impressive 14-game unbeaten streak, as they look to secure a place in their fifth semifinal in two seasons.
Solskjaer faced the press’ questions knowing that a result on Sunday will give his side a very realistic chance of a trophy this season, their first since 2017.
On Injuries
Manchester United have been struck by a minor injury crisis recently which threatened to derail a largely impressive season.
With Paul Pogba, David De Gea and Donny van de Beek all returning the bench against AC Milan, it would appear the majority of United’s problems are behind them.
When asked about the condition of his squad, Solskjaer said: “We’ll have to see how much he [Pogba] can play [against Leicester]. I’m not sure if he can play 90 minutes or if he can start, but you see the impact he can make if he comes on as a sub. If he feels okay, maybe we can start him as well.”
He continued: “He’s [Cavani] worked really hard and is joining training sessions and towards the end of training sessions when he needs to chop it up and feel 100 per cent ready for the game and he hasn't really gotten there yet.
"We just want them [Pogba & Martial] to go and play. They’ve missed too many games. This was a hip injury he [Martial] got against AC Milan a week ago, we hoped he was going to be ready for West Ham and then he couldn’t make that one.”
With the season very much in ‘business end’ territory, Solskjaer will be keen to have a full selection of players sooner rather than later.
On Paul Pogba’s contract
Much has been made of the future of Paul Pogba, from his outburst in the summer of 2019, to the recent drama stemming from comments made by his agent Mino Raiola, his exit has seemingly been written in the stars.
However, after a string of mammoth performances, including a number of match-winning goals, murmurings have begun that Pogba’s future may not be so set in stone.
When asked about a potential contract extension for the Frenchman, Solskjaer said: “We’ve got discussions and talks and when you see Paul [Pogba] play like tonight [against AC Milan] and come back training, that shows how much he cares for us and enjoys playing and how much we can benefit from having him here.”
With the transfer mill on the verge of kicking into action, all eyes will be on Old Trafford as this tense saga between player, agent and club comes to its climax.
On Mason Greenwood
Mason Greenwood was, and still is, deemed as one of Europe’s hottest prospects last season when he knocked up 17 goals at age 18.
However, following a media manhunt earlier in the season, Greenwood’s goals have dried up slightly, netting just once in the league so far.
However, Solskjaer was as upbeat and optimistic when quizzed on the talisman’s performances, stating: “His [Greenwood] hold-up play, his link-up play has improved so much. His physical strength has improved so much. His awareness has always been there but he’s getting the confidence.”
He continued: “The next step for him [Greenwood] is to stop thinking about finishing because he doesn’t have to think about it. It’s just instinct, just do it. Just trust yourself, all the other bits are there.”
With the backing of his manager and supporters alike, the stage is set for Greenwood to make his mark at the King Power Stadium this weekend.