Solskjaer hugs Fred, De Gea makes saves for fun as Utd feel-good factor goes on

Manchester United's growing feel-good factor could not be dampened by the rain as they stepped up preparations for Saturday's Premier League meeting with Brighton.

They have won six from six under interim manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, with last weekend's 1-0 win at top four rivals Tottenham Hotspur the most noteworthy result yet.

There were plenty of smiles on faces and even a warm hug for midfielder Fred from Solskjaer as the United squad were put through their paces at Carrington.

Goalkeeper David de Gea continues where he left off at Wembley on Sunday by making a series of full-stretch saves for the cameras.

And former United striker Giuseppe Rossi trained with the team once again as he maintains fitness levels ahead of a possible January transfer.

Victories over Cardiff City, Huddersfield Town, Bournemouth, Newcastle United and Spurs in the Premier League, plus Reading in the FA Cup, have left thoughts of former manager Jose Mourinho a distant memory.

With momentum on their side in pursuit of a Champions League spot, United host Brighton next before their fourth-round FA Cup visit to Arsenal the following Friday.

United will have Ivorian central defender Eric Bailly available once again after he served his three-match suspension for a red card against Bournemouth on December 30.

Bailly will challenge Phil Jones and Victor Lindelof for a place in the starting line-up against the Seagulls at Old Trafford.

By the way he was carrying around training equipment on Wednesday, Alexis Sanchez looks to be in a better condition and the Chilean forward should be in contention for Saturday.

Young goalkeeper Joel Pereira trained with United once again having been recalled from his loan spell at Portuguese club Vitoria Setubal last week.

Rossi, who is a free agent having left Italian club Genoa last summer, has been training well with United this week and even impressed visiting former manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

'We're not going to sign Giuseppe, I think, no, but he's trained well with us,' said Solskjaer after the Spurs win on Sunday.

'He looks sharp, he's looking for a club so Giuseppe is probably going to stay with us for another week, unless someone signs him.

'He scored a fantastic goal yesterday [Saturday] in training. The gaffer [Sir Alex] turned around and said 'what about that son?'

'It's a bit of us helping him to get fit before his next move, so if there are any takers you should be quick!'