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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
David Byrom

Five things spotted in Manchester United training as Solskjaer keeps eye on Shola Shoretire

Manchester United have been putting the finishing touches on their preparations to face Real Sociedad in the Europa League.

The Reds are 4-0 up from last week's first game as they ran out comfortable winners in their away leg, which was played at a neutral venue in Turin.

In the midst of a heavy fixture schedule, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's training session on Wednesday seemed to be a fairly relaxed one, with players in good spirits.

Here are five things spotted from United's training session ahead of facing Sociedad.

Fernandes gives Bailly instructions

As the United squad wait to begin their warm-up, Eric Bailly joined a conversation with Bruno Fernandes, Alex Telles, Fred, Juan Mata and Nemanja Matic.

Manchester United train ahead of Europa League second-leg against Real Sociedad

Mata could be seen discussing something with Fernandes, counting on his fingers before pointing at Bailly and gesturing forwards. Fernandes then joined in, speaking to Bailly, who pointed himself and seemed to disagree with what the midfielder says.

Mata again started counting on his fingers as Bailly and Fernandes stressed their point to each other, before Bailly mimicked making a run and pointing in the style of wanting a pass over the top, with everyone laughing.

It appeared to be a case of the group discussing making runs and timing passes - if they were discussing about Bailly's runs himself, it may well hint that he is set to play at right-back.

Shoretire and James link-up

Fresh from making his United debut at the weekend, Shola Shoretire was heavily involved in training.

During the rondo exercises, the 17-year-old was often given the ball in areas of pressure but linked up well with his teammates, playing some good one-twos with Daniel James.

When put in the middle, the winger also closed down his teammates well, cutting out passes and putting people under pressure.

Solskjaer watches Shoretire

One interested onlooker was Solskjaer.

The United boss spoke with members of his coaching staff before walking over to watch one of the rondo sessions and sharing a joke with Brandon Williams.

Solskjaer then watched on, keeping a close eye on Shoretire in particular as he impressed when under pressure from teammates.

Shaw and Maguire's light-hearted dispute

Harry Maguire laughs at Luke Shaw after the left-back lost a dispute in training (Man United)

Towards the end of a rondo session, Luke Shaw had been put in the middle and thought he had won his way out when he collected a stray touch from Harry Maguire.

The left-back pointed at Maguire and smiled, indicating he had touched the ball last, but the United captain was unmoved, appearing to argue that the rondo had stopped so his touch did not matter.

Shaw eventually relented, throwing the ball down after consulting with a coach, with Maguire catching it and laughing briefly at his teammate before getting play back underway.

Solskjaer shows how it's done

After the rondo sessions, United's players go through some agility training before more ball work is introduced into the session.

Showing he has not lost the football ability that made him a United legend, Solskjaer is seen setting up the session himself and demonstrating what he wants players to do, spraying a pass from one group to the other before pointing at where players are supposed to run.

The United boss then steps back after explaining his point to let the players do the session.

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