Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is “looking forward” to welcoming Diogo Dalot back to Old Trafford after an impressive loan spell at AC Milan.
The Portugal international barely featured under Solskjaer last season and reports suggested he would be sold this summer to raise funds for other recruits.
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But the United manager insists he is very much part of his plans next season.
“The plan was always for Diogo this season… well, the main thing for Diogo was to be fit,” Solskjaer is quoted by the Manchester Evening News.
“He never managed to be fit for a long spell when he was here because of injuries and now he’s kept fit all season and been available for them.
“He’s playing at a big club, big expectations, great history of the club. It’s been a good year for him.
“So, of course, I’ve been very pleased with his development this season, he’s our player and I’m looking forward to having him back.”
Dalot is expected to play for Milan as they take on United in the San Siro on Thursday after a 1-1 draw in the first leg at Old Trafford.
Solskjaer is yet to win any silverware in charge of United, with the Europa League one of two competitions – along with the FA Cup – they can still win this season.
But Solskjaer says winning trophies doesn’t automatically mean United “are back” and that it’s more of “an ego thing for managers and clubs”.
Solskjaer told reporters in his press conference on Wednesday: “I felt a big rebuild had to be made. The league is always the bread and butter and that’s when you see how capable you are.
“The cups are sometimes an ego thing for managers and clubs. It’s not like a trophy will say ‘we are back’, no. It’s gradual progression at the top of the league. Sometimes the cup competitions can hide your progress a bit.”
On the progress under his management, he added: “When you see the culture here, I see progress every day. It’s for others how much to assess there’s been an improvement. We’re all aiming to win trophies at this club, but sometimes the trophy can hide other things that are happening at the club.
“It’s in the league positions that you see whether you’re progressing, really. The cups you can be lucky or unlucky. Of course we’re aiming to win, that’s why you play football. ”
On their match against Milan, Solskjaer said: “We saw the game last week and how difficult its going to be. A physical side, loads of energy and good quality in the team. We need to perform at our best level to go through. We’ve never been too lucky with draws since I’ve been here!
“Tomorrow night is going to be about loads of things: quality, experience, game amnagement, a good start of course. I always enjoy being away from home in the second leg, that means so much more twhen you score a goal. ”
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