OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER will keep Antonio Valencia as his Manchester United captain.
The Red Devils' interim boss revealed Valencia, 33, is close to returning to action after various injury issues this season.
Solskjaer also gave positive updates on Paul Pogba's future and the first-team prospects of United's academy starlets.
Here is everything the Norwegian had to say in his pre-Bournemouth press conference on Friday…
Team news?
"We've not had a lot of training since Huddersfield as we had yesterday off, today's the first day back.
"Romelu [Lukaku], Anthony [Martial] and Alexis [Sanchez] were light yesterday so hopefully they can join part of the training today, let's see how they come through.
"Marcos [Rojo] and Scott [McTominay] look like they can take part soon.
"Smalling's got a sore foot so I don't think we'll see him until the New Year, maybe not before Spurs, probably, but you never know."
Valencia the skipper?
"Antonio is the captain when fit.
"He’s going through a couple of tough sessions now to get him ready for the busy period, there are not many more better right backs going forward so you'll see him wearing his band."
Sanchez and Lukaku injury updates?
"I cannot do anything for their performances on the pitch.
"Paul has done it. In my chats with Anthony, Rom, Alexis, I'm here to give them on the path and it's up to them to do it on the pitch.
"It's up to them when they get a chance that's the name of the game as a footballer, you've got to do it yourself.
"I gave some guidelines of course on expression, freedom of expression but that's how I've always been as a manager.
"You can't tell what the players to do in this position… just enjoy playing for this club, that's the best time of your life. It's not bad to be manager for a while either."
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6Fitting in attacking talent
"I've just been looking at the team, so many good players and when you get these confident and looking forward to games we have a confident squad,
"But it's a different thing when you're a fan on the outside, it's easy to see he should be playing.
"Then suddenly you end up with six forwards – Rom, Alexis, Anthony, Jesse Lingard Marcus Rashford, Juan Mata."
Impact this week?
"There are things we need to improve – we are in this position for a reason.
"We've not been consistent, not been able to keep clean sheets, not scored enough goals, conceded two goals at set-pieces.
"But open play of defending has been good but we need to get back to the habit… you always look for things to improve on.
"I'm coming from the outside, it's hard to make a difference, my job has been to speak to the players, know their feelings, confidence levels, every single one has a responsibility to improve."
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Pogba's progress?
"I think Paul's a top, top player. He's one of the top, top players in the world. Attacking wise he's done really well but he's a big lad, can win headers, tackles, he’s been the same as the others.
"The attitude has been perfect and that's key. You should be tired towards the end of every single game.
"He's been top class and we're looking to build a team around him of course, but there are so many quality players."
Mood at Carrington?
"Whenever you win games everyone's happy, so let's keep that run going. We've got to perform against Bournemouth, these two games have been fantastic, my first game and first game at Old Trafford.
"And we have to keep that momentum going against Bournemouth. When you lose a game you won't see many smiles about."
Playing the kids?
"As Sir Matt once said if they're old enough they're good enough. We're built on that tradition, we need young players coming through.
"It's important in the academy, I am looking to bring players through, we have top talents in the U18s knocking on the door now.
"We've had a couple of injuries and fatigue has been involved, but then they’re ready to step up."
Learnt form Mistakes at Cardiff?
"Of course when I came in to Cardiff it was a completely different situation in a team that was struggling, fighting against relegation, newly promoted.
"So coming back into here was a different ball game, you expect to win every game, players expect to win every game.
"Cardiff had loads of respect for the opposition, it was harder than I thought coming in, and less rotation I would've done if I had the chance again."
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