Manchester United travel to Southampton for their second Premier League game of the season this afternoon, and they'll be hoping to make it back-to-back victories on the south coast.

The Red Devils began their 2021/22 campaign in emphatic style last weekend, demolishing Leeds United 5-1 in a stunning display at Old Trafford.

What's the word?

United's thrashing of Leeds was made even more impressive by the fact that they were missing star striker Edinson Cavani from the matchday squad altogether, but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has confirmed that he should be able to call upon the Uruguay international this time around.

"Edinson's always looked after himself and is lacking in team training, football training; he had different reasons to why he came late," revealed the manager in Saturday's press conference.

"There were some personal reasons, and his body can tolerate a lot. It was something required not physically, a different matter, he's ready to train, ready to go and let's see how much we can get out of him."

The return of the Uruguay veteran may not be the only boost to United when they take on the Saints in today's 2pm kick-off. Solskjaer also provided an update on the fitness levels of summer signing Raphael Varane, stating that the former Real Madrid centre-back could travel with the squad following his £41m move.

The Red Devils boss stated of the Frenchman: “He’s been keeping fit, he’s a naturally fit lad, and he's had a good week. He’s coming through the last session, and if that goes well, he’ll probably travel.

"Looking at him from afar, you see he’s a professional and humble lad, he’s a winner. He’s still asking questions, he wants to learn about how we want to play, and he’s hard-working. Of course, he wants to do the foundation first before he goes into a very intense season, I’m sure."

Solskjaer will be delighted

Despite Cavani being well into the twilight of his career, the 34-year-old played a pivotal part in United's success last season, bagging 17 goals and providing six assists in 39 appearances for the Old Trafford giants.

Therefore, his return to match fitness, coupled with Varane's potential availability, will surely leave Solskjaer feeling delighted and confident of picking up another three points at St Mary's.

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