Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has explained releasing Eric Bailly and Amad for Ivory Coast's Olympics campaign.

Both players are also likely to be involved in the African Cup of Nations, which falls in January.

Explaining his decision to release the pair, Solskjaer told United's website: "I think everyone, when they grow up, watches the Olympics and can see Usain Bolt or Ryan Giggs. I saw him play in the Olympics [for Great Britain].

"When your country calls you up, I think I can't stand in the way of that boyhood dream being fulfilled.

"Of course, Eric is over-age, but I think they can see the value of him and that's why they have brought him in.

"Amad is a young, exciting prospect. It'll be good to see them. It'll be their pre-season, but they've got to come back with a medal. We need a nice feel about the place when they come back!"