Fantastic four who can shine for Solskjaer
UNITED have endured a summer to forget so far.
From the botched Europa League knockout finale, to the frustrating Jadon Sancho transfer saga and now the Harry Maguire incident in Greece, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer would have wanted a lot better.
And there is not much time for the Reds to prepare for the new campaign, despite their opening fixture against Burnley (initially scheduled for September 12) being postponed.
United need to get their house in order by the time they host Crystal Palace on September 19, but certain players look braced to shine when the campaign gets under way to ease Solskjaer’s concerns...
■ MASON GREENWOOD
It was notable how much more physically imposing Greenwood appeared to be when returning to United action after the lockdown. The 18-year-old had used the three months to bulk up, work on his strength and came back looking like the complete forward.
If there were any doubts that the teenager would make the grade at Old Trafford before the lockdown, then they were firmly put to bed as he nailed down the right wing position, as Daniel James struggled.
Greenwood is known to be hardworking and diligent off the pitch, a perfect complement to his outrageous talents on the ball.
He should continue his exciting trajectory and reach new heights in the new season.
■ PAUL POGBA
His positive test for Covid-19 means he will miss France’s Nations League games and also a chunk of United’s pre-season. However, he should be out of self-isolation with more than a week before the Reds’ opening game of the season against Crystal Palace.
Like Greenwood, Pogba took no time at all to adapt to the Premier League when it returned in June, despite the fact it was six months on from his previous competitive appearance.
The Frenchman’s natural athleticism and pure talent saw him through and he quickly reminded
Solskjaer of his importance.
So regardless of whether United bring in players before the 2020/21 season opener against Palace, expect Pogba to hit the ground running alongside Bruno Fernandes in midfield.
The 27-year-old sets high standards on and off the field and, as confirmed by his agent Mino Raiola recently, he is focussed and committed to United for the foreseeable future.
■ FRED
Solskjaer gave Fred a major show of faith after the end of the Premier League campaign. The Brazilian had been left on the bench in favour of Nemanja Matic during United’s run-in as they sought to nail down third position, though returned in the Serbian international’s place for the LASK, Copenhagen and Sevilla ties.
And Fred did his case for starting more often in defensive midfield no harm whatsoever with some sharp performances at the base of United’s mid
Greenwood us known to be hard-working off the pitch, a perfect compliment to his talents on the ball
field. He barely featured in pre-season in 2019 as he got married in Brazil and was a late addition to United’s touring squad. But that didn’t stop him becoming a key player for Solskjaer over the following autumn and winter. Fred has shown he can click into gear quickly without much preparation, a trait that will be needed when United get the new season under way.
■ DEAN HENDERSON
Whereas the aforementioned players will look to their previous experiences to get themselves firing for the new season, Henderson may be the only one with an outright point to prove.
It remains to be seen whether Henderson will get the nod in goal over David de Gea for the start of the campaign, but either way the former Sheffield United loanee will be desperately gunning to be United’s No.1.
Having just signed a new five-year deal, he possesses the confidence that means he believes he can usurp De Gea. If and when United fans finally see Henderson in action, they should see him on form.