Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has confirmed that both Harry Maguire and Paul Pogba should feature in the club’s opening Premier League game of the season against Chelsea at Old Trafford.
Maguire became the Red Devils’ second-most expensive signing after arriving from Leicester City at the beginning of the month and he has since linked up with his new teammates in regular training.
Speaking to MUTV, Solskjaer said that Maguire has already participated in a few pre-season games with the Foxes, and he should be ready for the curtain-raiser against Frank Lampard’s side on Sunday.
“Yeah, Harry is ready to play. I am sure he will put himself up, when I ask him on Sunday morning, if he is available, because he has played many games for Leicester over the pre-season,” he told.
Meanwhile, the Norwegian tactician had previously indicated that Pogba was only left out of the final friendly against AC Milan as a precaution for a back problem, and he has now confirmed that the Frenchman is set to participate.
“He is available. All of the boys are fit. It was always our aim to get to the starting line with as many players as fit as possible,” he continued.
United won’t be able to bank on the services of defender Eric Bailly against the Blues, given he is currently sidelined until December at the least after undergoing a surgery for a knee problem.
Elsewhere, Alexis Sanchez has returned to the setup following his vacation after the Copa America, but the Chilean will surely not make the matchday squad, given the lack of sufficient match fitness.
Pogba was probably the only concern in the lead up to the season opener and his availability is undoubtedly a big boost ahead of a potential midfield tussle with compatriot N’Golo Kante in the opposite ranks.
Anthony Martial is widely expected to lead the attack after being handed with the number nine shirt once more but it will be interesting to see whether Mason Greenwood gets a chance to impress on the back of a good pre-season showing.
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