Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s return to his hometown club was marred by the confirmation that Manchester United defender Eric Bailly faces up to five months out following knee surgery. Solskjaer revealed the extent of Bailly’s injury after Juan Mata’s late penalty gave United a 1-0 win over Kristiansund, the team from the town where he was born – and for whom the Norwegian’s son Noah made his debut as a late substitute. Bailly suffered the injury during United’s 2-1 win over Tottenham in their pre-season meeting in Shanghai last week. A special moment for Ole and his sons ❤️ #MUFC pic.twitter.com/VN3TSWFLIH — Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 30, 2019 With the exception of Paul Pogba who started on the bench, Solskjaer, who watched the game with his other son, Elijah, named a virtually full-strength side against the Norwegians. But despite dominating the game for long periods, United failed to break down their opponents until the clock ticked over to stoppage time. Mata converted the spot-kick after being brought down in the box, but the overall display only served to highlight Solskjaer’s search for new striking options, centred around Paulo Dybala. The Juventus striker is reportedly involved in talks over a switch to Old Trafford in what could effectively turn into a swap deal, with Romelu Lukaku heading in the opposite direction. Eric Bailly has been ruled out for up to five months (Martin Rickett/PA) Marcus Rashford missed a pair of early chances for the visitors and Scott McTominay lashed a long-range effort against a post. Pogba appeared for United as one of a host of chances on the hour mark, while Solskjaer witnessed a proud moment for son Noah when he was introduced for the final four minutes. Topics Eric Bailly, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Paulo Dybala, Premier League, Man Utd Hibs winger Boyle needs more knee surgery Lennon salutes solid display as Celtic progress in Champions League qualifying Winger Ilkay Durmus joins St Mirren from Wacker Innsbruck Celtic beat Nomme Kalju to set up Champions League qualifying clash with Cluj Harry Kane effort enough as Tottenham edge Real Madrid in Audi Cup Fantasy football team names: 49 excellent (and awful) ideas for yours this season 9 things we think will happen in the 2019/20 Premier League season Juventus prepared to offer £10m plus these two players for Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku 5 centre-backs Arsenal could target to replace Laurent Koscielny Monday’s big transfer rumours: Juventus star keen to join Paul Pogba at Manchester United
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