Manchester United: Ole and Rashford face the media ahead of UCL clash

Ole Gunnar Solskjær and Marcus Rashford faced the media this afternoon in a press conference ahead of tomorrow night’s Champions League clash at home to Italian outfit, Atalanta.

Gian Piero Gasperini’s men currently sit top of Group F and have enjoyed a mixed start to their Serie A campaign with four wins from eight played.

Both Solskjær and Rashford praised their opposition’s attacking mentality:

"I am very impressed by their way, their style, the way they develop players. The manager is clearly very strong.Of course we signed Amad (Diallo) and watched them quite a lot. They have an attacking philosophy which many fans of football would like.I think they have a very aggressive style of play, I’d say, both in attacking and defensive situations. It’s a team [which is] definitely going to be a tough game.It’s going to be an intense game but it’s the type of test that we want, it’s the type of test that we’re going to thrive off and I believe that this game can bring the best out of our players, so hopefully we get the tough game that we want and show people what we can do."

Regarding teenager Amad Diallo, who joined United from Atalanta, Ole provided a positive injury update amid reports that both himself and Antony Elanga had been training with the first team ahead of tomorrow’s game.

"Amad trained his first session last week before Leicester. Still continuing his rehab, will probably play in the U23s when he is ready for that.His development has been exactly what we wanted from him, learning the language.We have to make the decision before Christmas, whether he is going to play here or elsewhere. The injury was bad timing."

As to be expected, the topic of discussion was dominated by the reaction to the Red Devil’s sobering defeat to Leicester City at the weekend.

Ole was keen to debunk rumours surrounding his job’s security as pressure from outside voices continues to mount.

"We’ve progressed over the years. Sixth in half season, third, second. You can see the progress.We have signed players which have raised expectations but we are in same boat as other top teams. Pressure on me of course but we have been through this before.I am in dialogue with club all the time, it is an open and honest discussion. (Via: manchestereveningnews.co.uk)"

Turning our attention to tomorrow’s game between Manchester United and Atalanta

Atalanta have been hit with several injury concerns that could swing the tie in the home side’s favour.

Impressive winger/full-back Robert Gosens has been ruled out for a considerable period after suffering a “serious” thigh injury against Young Boys last month.

To add to Gasperini’s woes, the German international joins a growing list that includes Hans Hateboer, Matteo Pessina and Berat Djimisiti.

In relation to United, Ole has often been criticised for his ability to rotate his squad but ahead of a crunch game against rivals Liverpool this weekend, the former will surely have one eye on Sunday when selecting his team.

No fresh injury concerns were reported but the Norwegian will, of course, be without Raphaël Varane whose absence was felt in the weekend’s trip to the King Power Stadium.

Anthony Martial is a doubt but the Reds should have Edinson Cavani and Fred available after returning from international duty if all’s well.