0
Press Conference: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on Fernandes, Joshua King and Deadline Day transfers
Manchester United face a huge clash on Saturday, as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side set to face Nuno Espirito Santo’s Wolves.
United are currently fifth in the Premier League with 34 points, while Wolves are seventh with the same amount of points.
A victory in the game will decide who will be closer to the top four and in the top six.
Ahead of the crucial clash, United boss Solskjaer has faced the press and the first topic of the conference, of course, was Bruno Fernandes.
Fernades signed a five-and-a-half-year deal, with United paying an initial £46.6million which could raise to £67.8m with add-ons.
Solskjaer said, Fernandes will be involved in the game against Wolves: “He’s fit enough to play and he will be involved definitely he’ll be in the squad. Let’s get training out of the way today. He has had of course a few hectic days now, and even his daughter’s third birthday yesterday. I don’t know how much he’ll be involved, but he’ll be in the squad.”
Fernandes signed for United in the last days of the January transfer window. However, he has been linked with the Red Devils for a long time. When asked, why did Fernandes saga take so long, Solskjaer answered: “You know, it is about timing, priorities, and also valuation, money and you have a club that owns him, and you can see now in January how much he means to them and they wanted to keep him. We are just happy to get it over the line. We have followed him for years. but he has grown gradually in that period as well, more and more, mature. Assured performances, a great leader of his team and even with all speculation that’s been around him - every club in Europe has been linked with hi - but, he stayed focused and played fantastic football for Sporting. When you get to see him he is such a fantastic human being.”
On Fernandes’ determination, the Norwegian added: “That is one of his boxes that we had to tick. We wanted players who this means a lot to. He is a winner, he hates losing. I have seen him myself, he uses that anger in a good way, to play better and help teammates. He was a fantastic captain for Sporting and he will be a leader here as well.”
The game against Wolves will be the 300th appearance for United goalkeeper David de Gea.
“He ranks at the top he has been unbelievable for club and 300 games and don’t know how many clean sheets he’s had. But you can see on Wednesday night what he means for us. He’s presence at the back and a top human being as well,” said Solskjaer.
United star Marcos Rojo joined Estudiantes on loan, until the end of the season.
On Rojo’s exit, Solskjaer said: “Marcos is a lovely lad, fantastic, he’s got that fire in his belly. He wasn’t getting enough football and it was important for him to start playing. He was in the away end at City, Liverpool too, a passionate guy, who wants to support his team and he wants to come back fitter. Something we had to do.”
Solskjaer also gave an update on James Garner and said, there is no loan for the player.
“James is going to stay. We are going to give him a chance to prove himself here. It’s been a difficult time for him lately [with injury and illness] but he will be fine,” the Norwegian said.
United didn’t sign forward to replace Romelu Lukaku last summer and there is no signing in the January transfer window.
When asked, how much of a blow would that be for United, Solskjaer said: “I am happy with ones I have here. And with Bruno coming in we can play in a different way maybe. And of course with the centre-backs coming back lately and what we’ve done with three at the back, that might be an option to tactically change a bit.”
It has been reported, that United made a move for AFC Bournemouth’s Joshua King. When asked about that, Solskjaer said: “I don’t think we will do any more business, no. I don’t think so.”
Source- MEN
Join us on Telegram!
Standings
England, Premier League