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MANCHESTER, England — Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said he is “not surprised” that Arsenal want Eric Bailly and added that Alexis Sanchez is relishing the chance to shine in front of the Emirates boo boys.
Bailly has been linked with a loan move to the Emirates in the build up to Manchester United’s FA Cup tie there on Friday night.
Solskjaer has preferred a centre-back pairing of Phil Jones and Victor Lindelof since taking over from Jose Mourinho and the Norwegian says the reports about Bailly have not come as a shock.
“I’m not surprised if they do, put it that way,” Solskjaer told a news conference on Thursday.
“It’s just one of those things. It’s just speculation and it’s not a big surprise.”
Solskjaer is reluctant to let anyone leave in January while Marcos Rojo and Marouane Fellaini are still missing through injury.
United could lose Ander Herrera, Juan Mata and Ashley Young for free in the summer with their contracts set to expire on June 30 but Solskjaer is hopeful of good news as negotiations with the trio continue.
“I think the club is making progress but I leave that to the right people to do that,” Solskjaer said.
“I don’t know really how far we are away from it but hopefully we’re going to have some good news in the coming weeks.”
Sanchez is set to return to the Emirates for the first time since his move to United a year ago and Solskjaer insisted the forward will thrive if he gets a negative reception.
“He’ll be involved,” Solskjaer told MUTV. “I think he’ll love it if the crowd turn against him. As a player, pride kicks in and you think ‘I’ll show all of you.’ He’s been fantastic in training, his attitude has been spot on so hopefully he’ll enjoy the game.”
United face Arsenal in the FA Cup fourth round on Friday before welcoming Burnley to Old Trafford in the Premier League on Tuesday.
Solskjaer made nine changes for the third round tie against Reading but suggested afterwards he had put pressure on his team by rotating too much.
Alexis Sanchez and Romelu Lukaku are set to start at the Emirates but Solskjaer hinted he will refrain from making many alterations.
“I’ve got a big strong squad there will be one or two changes,” he said. “You always prioritise the next game the main priority is Arsenal.
“We’ve got Saturday, Sunday and Monday so three days. It’s plenty of time in between games to recover.”
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