Soccer

Manchester United will be prepared for Cup clash with West Ham, says Telles

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to make number of changes to squad to give players game time

Alex Telles says Manchester United faces a tough game but they will be prepared. Photograph: Alex Livesey/PA Wire

Tue Sep 21 2021 - 22:32

Manchester United defender Alex Telles has promised West Ham they will face exactly the same challenge as they did in the Premier League at the weekend as the clubs prepare to lock horns once again in the English League Cup.

David De Gea's injury-time penalty save from Mark Noble at the London Stadium on Sunday meant substitute Jesse Lingard's 89th-minute strike secured a 2-1 league win for the visitors.

The sides meet again at Old Trafford on Wednesday evening, this time in the third round of the League Cup, and while the personnel may be slightly different, Telles has warned his opponents their task will be no easier.

He told United’s official website: “Preparations will be the same. It’s in front of our home fans at Old Trafford, but I think the game will be very tough. It’ll be a difficult match, but we’re ready.

READ MORE

“After the game at West Ham, I feel we’re better prepared, and of course we want to win and play as well as we can to get through.”

Appearances

Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is likely to make changes for the game. The Norwegian has already hinted that midfielder Jesse Lingard, who has scored after coming off the bench in each of his last two Premier League appearances, will start against the club where he spent the second half of last season on loan.

Striker Edinson Cavani (muscle strain) and defender Alex Telles (ankle) could return and keepers Tom Heaton and Dean Henderson will be hoping David De Gea is given a rest, while the likes of Eric Bailly, Victor Lindelof, Diogo Dalot, Donny van de Beek, Juan Mata and Anthony Martial, as well as youngsters Anthony Elanga, Teden Mengi, Hannibal Mejbri and Shola Shoretire, could come into contention. However, the game is likely to come too soon for defender Phil Jones (match fitness) midfielder Amad (thigh) and striker Marcus Rashford (shoulder).

Solskjaer said: “We lost nobody on Sunday, so it’s the same squad or same pool of players to choose from.

“We know it’s early on in the season and some players need minutes to get their proper fitness up, so I will make a few changes.”

West Ham can welcome back Michail Antonio from suspension, although he may be saved for Leeds at the weekend.

Goalkeeper Alphonse Areola and midfielder Alex Kral are in line to make their debuts following their summer loan moves.

Mark Noble, Issa Diop, Arthur Masuaku and Manuel Lanzini could also start.

Telles, like striker Edinson Cavani, could return from injury with the defender having been out of action since damaging an ankle in a pre-season friendly against Derby in July.

He said: “I feel good. Things happen in football. I wasn’t very happy about that [the injury], but I took advantage of the situation by working harder.

“I feel better than before, I feel better prepared and stronger, physically and mentally. I’m much better and I’m thrilled to be back.

“Whenever I get the chance to play, I’ll give everything for Manchester United to win the lot.”

Refurbishment

Meanwhile, United have unveiled plans for the latest phase of the refurbishment of their Carrington training headquarters, revealing they will shortly submit planning applications for two new bespoke pavilions to host additional changing facilities, offices, gyms and catering areas.

An application has already been submitted to Trafford Council for new LED floodlights, a new all-seater stand which can accommodate almost 500 people, improved access footpaths, pitchside toilets, an electricity sub-station and new fencing along the east side of the training centre.

Chief operating officer Collette Roche said: "Significant, game-changing investment will be made into our training facilities to take Carrington to the next level once again."

LATEST STORIES