Man Utd 3 - 2 Atalanta: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer post-match press conference
Manchester United return to Premier League action on Sunday as they face a huge clash against bitter rivals Liverpool at Old Trafford. Defeat for United would see them fall seven points behind Jurgen Klopp’s side.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be sweating on the fitness of Fred for this weekend’s clash after the midfielder was forced off in the closing stages of his side’s Champions League victory over Atalanta on Wednesday night.
And if Fred does miss United’s clash with Liverpool, his absence could be a significant one.
Fred was in outstanding form against Atalanta and was praised for his performance by former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger.
“I would personally highlight the second half for Fred,” Wenger told beIN.
“Fred saved a few crosses in the box, defensively outstanding and he worked unbelievably hard in the second half.”
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“The way we broke-up play against [Aston] Villa, I think they are very instrumental together.
“The energy and desire - I really like to have the two of them. I can trust them to give us what they've got.
“Fans will always have opinions - it is easy to say who should be playing.”
Meanwhile, Solskjaer believes his side’s victory over Atalanta will give his players confidence ahead of Sunday’s clash.
“Confidence is a strange thing,” Solskjaer admitted after seeing his team overturn a 2-0 half-time deficit to defeat Atalanta 3-2.
“Desire, determination - we're still as determined every single game when we go into a game.
Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could be without Fred for the clash with Liverpool (Image: GETTY)
“They know they're good players - that doesn't disappear overnight.
“But a result and a performance like the second half is obviously going to give us a boost before a massive game on Sunday.”
Last season, United were defeated 4-2 by Liverpool at Old Trafford as Roberto Firmino notched a brace in between strikes from Diogo Jota and Mohamed Salah.
And Solskjaer’s team will certainly need to be a class above that performance if they are to claim a famous victory when Jurgen Klopp’s side come to town.
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