Solskjaer urged to rest key players
Manchester United are set to play three games in five days, including crucial clashes against Liverpool and Leicester City.
Daily Mail columnist Martin Samuel believes that Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has earned the right to rest his key players if he feels the need to.
The Red Devils are set to play in the Europa League final later this month, and it would make sense if he decided to keep his key players fresh for that game.
United have all but qualified for the Champions League next season, and there is no reason for them to put their players through the rigorous schedule of playing three matches in five days.
While the Champions League aspirants Liverpool and Leicester City will be hoping that Manchester United put out their best team and help defeat their top-four rivals, it simply isn’t in United’s interests to do so.
Edinson Cavani contract extended for a year
Meanwhile, striker Edinson Cavani has extended his contract for another year, and he will stay at Old Trafford until the summer of 2022.
The Uruguayan has been exceptional in recent weeks, and it is no surprise that United have chosen to trigger the extension.
The 34-year-old striker has scored 15 goals so far this season, and he will be hoping to guide Manchester United to the Europa League trophy on the 26th of May.
“Over the season, I have developed a great affection for the club and everything that it represents,” Cavani said. “I feel a deep bond with my teammates and the staff who work behind the scenes here.
“They give me extra motivation every day, and I know that, together, we can achieve special things.
“From the very first moment that I arrived, I felt the confidence of the manager. As a player, this belief gives you the perfect opportunity to play your best football, and I want to thank him for that.
“I have been touched with how much the supporters have wanted me to stay, and I will give everything to bring them happiness and joy with my performances on the field. I’ve not yet been able to play in front of the Old Trafford crowd, and that is something that I cannot wait to do.”
Basten slammed Van de Beek for poor attitude
Manchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek has been criticized for having a poor attitude by the Dutch footballer Marco van Basten.
The former Ajax midfielder has struggled to hold down a regular starting berth since his moves to Old Trafford, and the 24-year-old has mostly been used as a squad player.
Van Basten believes that the midfielder had it easy when he was at Ajax, and he will have to fight harder to make the cut at Manchester United. He also urged the 24-year-old to show more belief and take care of himself.
“It just shows what a great life they have when they play at Ajax,” he said.
“They all think very quickly that they are a big boy here and can make it in other countries, but in the Netherlands, there is a nice competition.
“In a team like Ajax, you are really helped, especially in the No.10 position. Then you often see that they go abroad, and it is a different story.”
“You have to be able to take care of yourself. If you go to a club in another country, you have to be able to present yourself in that team in a way that the others will think: he is one of us, and with him, we are going to win.”