Exclusive interview: Ole on Cavani, Axel and Chelsea

The Reds have impressed in both games and now prepare for a week of home matches with Chelsea first up at Saturday teatime. Our form at Old Trafford has been disappointing thus far in 2020/21 but Ole is hoping the confidence and belief gained from the last two victories will stand his side in good stead for the coming eight days.

In a wide-ranging interview with MUTV’s Stewart Gardner, the United boss reflected on the Newcastle and PSG triumphs, gave an insight in Edinson Cavani’s performances in training and praised Axel Tuanzebe’s impressive comeback in Paris…

Ole, it’s been a great week for the club and I’d imagine that’s exactly what you were after following the result before the last international break?
“Yes, of course. We know that these players are capable of getting results and performances. It was about getting into shape as quickly as we could. I’ve mentioned it many times that we were behind with the preparation because when you don’t have a pre-season, it’ll take time. Now it seems like it came together in the last week. We’ve used quite a few players which is also nice and you can see that the squad is working well together. The spirit and the mood is better, of course that happens with results.”

The players put a real shift in on Tuesday. Are there any injuries or problems from then?
“No, there is nothing that we’ve struggled with after the game. Of course, there’s tiredness of the travel and little aches and pains but I think everyone should be ready for the weekend.”

The lads who missed Tuesday [through injury] – Harry Maguire and Mason Greenwood and a couple of others – how are they looking?
“We’re still hoping Mason and Harry can be available in the squad. Of course, we have a training session today so they’re going to have to go through that. Eric [Bailly] won’t be available. Jesse [Lingard] won’t be available so we’ll manage without them for a few weeks I think.”