Ole Gunner Solskjaer keen to get Angel Gomes and Tahith Chong ready for first-team duties for further behind closed doors friendlies next month.
United has taken on Blackburn and Sheffield United in the last three weeks. This an attempt to keep those on fringes of the squad fresh.
Solskjaer has sanctioned the departures of Antonio Valencia, Ander Herrera, Romelu Lukaku, Chris Smalling, Alexis Sanchez and Marouane Fellaini since his disappointment at the club, leaving the squad weak in certain areas.
The Norwegian’s used 15 players in United’s opening three league games. The club will have to play once in a week until the third week of September when their Europa League and Carabao campaigns begin.
Phil Jones, Marcos Rojo, Nemanja Matic, Axel Tuanzebe, Fred, Gomes and Chong are yet to play a single minute of the campaign so far. United has scheduled two further friendlies to help them maintain their match fitness.
Solskjaer confirmed Darmian’s existence in the club. He said Darmian is ready to leave the club. Additionally, with Parma close to ending his four-year stay at Old Trafford.
Anthony Martial and Luke Shaw have been ruled out of United’s trip to Southampton on Saturday. This could mark a first start of the season for Mason Greenwood.
Solskjaer has shown great faith in the youngster by offloading Lukaku and Sanchez. Nonetheless, he says, the youngster can deal with the expectations.
“Mason is not used to playing as little as he is at the moment,” said Solskjaer at his pre-match press conference when asked if it’s a big ask for Greenwood to step up.
“He is used to playing every week for the reserves. Now he’s coming on for half-an-hour here and there.”
“Greenwood will not play five games in a row. He is cover and an option behind Anthony and Marcus.”