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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Dominic Booth

Four things we noticed in Manchester United training before Crystal Palace fixture

The hard work does not stop for Manchester United, in what Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has called "the strangest season" he's ever known.

United went through their preparations to face Crystal Palace on Tuesday, with a training session that Edinson Cavani joined after Solskjaer revealed the striker had regained fitness.

Cavani is in the United squad to travel to Selhurst Park, where United must return to winning ways after successive 0-0 draws.

But, other than Cavani's return, what else did we learn from the latest United training session at Carrington? Here are four things we spotted...

Watchful eye on Amad

Amad sent himself a message on social media alongside some pictures of him in United training, writing "your time will come boy" alongside a flexed bicep emoji.

And that reflects where the 18-year-old is right now, regularly training with the United first team squad but having to bide his time.

Solskjaer could be seen keeping a close eye on his January signing in the latest training session and even sharing a joke with Amad. The Norwegian is eager to use the young flyer soon, so Amad is right to believe his time is coming.

Bruno Fernandes on the ball (2021 Manchester United FC)

Intensity down

Solskjaer suggested that United did not burn themselves out in the training session before heading down to London.

"We've had a training session this morning," Solskjaer said on Tuesday afternoon. "Of course, it was a light one and we're looking okay."

And certainly it looked as though the players were keeping it fairly easy, making sure they still had energy in the tank to take on Roy Hodgson's side this evening.

Rashford in good spirits

Marcus Rashford would be forgiven for feeling the weight of the world on his shoulders. He certainly takes a fair burden of pressure in his life, not just by leading the line for United, but with his commendable work off the pitch.

But the 23-year-old was all smiles at Carrington on Tuesday, clearly in a good mood, and United fans will hope to see that bear fruit against Palace.

A happy forward is often someone who plays with freedom and Solskjaer would love Rashford to express himself at Selhurst Park — and for some of that confidence to rub off on the likes of Mason Greenwood and Anthony Martial, who aren't in the greatest of form.

Marcus Rashford in good spirits during the Manchester United training session (2021 Manchester United FC)

Relaxed defenders

The United defence has come in for criticism this season, but the back-to-back goalless draws against Real Sociedad and Chelsea — part of a run in which Solskjaer's side have conceded two goals in their past six games — will give them confidence.

Alex Telles, Harry Maguire and Eric Bailly could all be seen smiling and looking relaxed in the latest United training session.

And that mood is probably a result of the improved displays the United defence is now putting in.

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