Manchester United team news LIVE: Press conference updates as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer speaks ahead of Everton game
Re-live updates from the manager’s press conference this afternoon
Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer spoke to the media this afternoon to preview his side’s Premier League clash with Everton.
The Red Devils scraped past Villarreal in the Champions League on Wednesday night, Cristiano Ronaldo’s late winner securing some revenge for United following their Europa League final defeat by the Spanish club at the end of last season. Next up are Rafael Benitez’s Everton, who beat Norwich 2-0 in the Premier League last time out to bounce back from a 3-0 loss to Aston Villa, whose most recent top-flight result was a 1-0 win over United at Old Trafford.
Kortney Hause’s later goal in that game saw United slip to fourth in the Premier League table, though they are level on 13 points with second and third-placed Man City and Chelsea, and they only trail leaders Liverpool by one points. Solskjaer reflected upon the victory over Villarreal and provided updates on the fitness of defenders Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire, as well as forwards Marcus Rashford and Amad Diallo. He also spoke about Donny van de Beek’s frustration over a lack of game time.
Re-live updates from the Manchester United manager’s press conference, below.
Pep Guardiola pays tribute to rival Jurgen Klopp
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has paid tribute to his Liverpool counterpart Jurgen Klopp, admitting that he has helped him improve as a manager.
Guardiola and Klopp are set to renew their rivalry at Anfield on Sunday, meeting for the first time since the return of spectators to Premier League grounds.
City and Liverpool were the top flight's leading rivalry a few seasons ago but both face challenges from Chelsea and Manchester United for this season's title.
“He helped me, his teams helped me be a better manager,” Guardiola said of his rival.
“He put me at another level to think about it and prove myself to be a better manager, with our teams, to try to beat them. That’s the reason I’m still in this business.”
More here:
Pep Guardiola pays tribute to Liverpool rival Jurgen Klopp
Guardiola and Klopp renew rivalry at Anfield on Sunday
Manchester United press conference
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could also give a fitness update on Marcus Rashford, who has been picture in training this morning.
The England international has not played this season after undergoing shoulder surgery in August but returned to contact training earlier this week.
Luke Shaw was also pictured in training this morning.
Fully vaccinated players given green light to travel to red-list countries
Fully vaccinated players will be able to travel for international duty in red-list countries this month.
A bespoke quarantine exemption has been agreed between the Premier League the Government and the health authorities which will enable fully vaccinated players to travel and then play for their clubs on their return.
The Government confirmed the plans on Friday afternoon. The agreement was reached after assurances were given that players would be in Covid-secure ‘bubbles’ with their national teams and on return to their clubs.
A Government spokesperson said: “We have worked closely with football authorities to achieve an outcome that balances the interests of both club and country while maintaining the highest levels of public health and safety.
“Our best defence against the virus is vaccination and these new measures will allow fully vaccinated players to fulfil their international duties in the safest, most practical way possible, while allowing them to train and play with their clubs as early as possible upon their return.”
PA
Manchester United press conference
Solskjaer is set to give fitness updates on Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw after both players missed Wednesday’s match against Villarreal.
Shaw was included in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the October internationals but Maguire was not, indicating that the left back could be available for the Everton match tomorrow.
Alex Telles could continue to fill in if Shaw was unavailable after he scored a stunning equaliser on Wednesday, while Victor Lindelof is set to start alongside Raphael Varane.
Solskjaer could also give an update on Donny van de Beek following reports that he in growing unhappy at the club due to a lack of game time.
Manchester United press conference
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is up next ahead of his side’s match against Everton tomorrow lunchtime.
The Manchester United manager was boosted by a crucial Cristiano Ronaldo winner in stoppage time against Villarreal on Wednesday night.
Liverpool press conference
That concludes Jurgen Klopp’s press conference. In terms of the Manchester City match, there was no indication that Alexander-Arnold or Thiago will return, with Klopp saying he has “three options” available to him at right back.
“We have to produce our best work [against City],” Klopp said, “only then will we have a chance.”
The Liverpool manager also voiced his disapproval for the plans for players returning from red-list countries in the October international break, with Fabinho, Alisson, Mane and Tsimikas set to be affected.
Liverpool press conference
On James Milner filling in at right back:
“James plays the position exceptionally well because he is a smart footballer. The way we play the right back is influential, has a lot of possession. At the moment he is ok to play there. We haven’t made a decision yet but if he plays there, he is just a very important part of the squad. In the dressing room he is very influential and it’s nice he also has the engine to be influential too. I’m really happy he has the opportunity to play in these types of games because it shows his whole spectrum. He can pretty much do everything.”
Liverpool press conference
Klopp gives a lengthy response to the upcoming international break and quarantine periods for players coming back from red-list countries. He confirms that Alisson, Fabinho, Sadio Mane and Kostas Tsimikas are scheduled to play in red-list countries next week.
“There’s no final decision. There’s the 10-day quarantine, but in a hotel with food delivered to their door. It’s not ok.
“If that’s the solution I don’t know where it’s coming from. In our situation we’re talking about the Brazilian players, Tsimikas and Mane. It would mean they are away for the break, then the quarantine, then a week later there is another international break.
“For me it’s not a solution. Brazil is on the red list for England, but not for France, Germany and Spain. All the other countries could send their players.
“It means the players are always in bubbles. What I really don’t like is it’s not properly thought through by the Government. They cannot have all the information.
“We take care of our players when they are here. They come to training and then go home. They don’t need to go to the hotels. The Premier League needs to fight for their players. If the situation in Brazil is that bad, then ok, but then why are Germany and France ok?”
Liverpool press conference
On Roger Hunt.
“I have so many people in the club who would produce better words on his impact. Yesterday I spent time with Kenny Dalglish and a few other guys. Obviously they know more.
“He was one of the most influential strikers in England and Europe, that’s what I know. I never met him but we will all miss him. He was a true legend of this club.”
Liverpool press conference
On Liverpool’s unbeaten start.
“It’s a bit early to be taking a point. The start has been ok but we carry on. If we win I would think, ‘Now that looks like a proper start’. But then it’s Watford, Atletico, Manchester United. I’m not interested in the start, I’m only interested in doing the best season. We’re only a few games in so let’s carry on.”
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