I CAN’T HELP YOU TO SCORE
Ole tells misfiring duo Sanchez and Lukaku...
ON THE evidence of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s first week back at Manchester United, you could be forgiven for thinking the caretaker boss can achieve just about anything.
But when it comes to the misfiring form of Alexis Sanchez and Romelu Lukaku, Solskjaer admits there is very little he can do to raise their game. It is, he insists, up to both players to make that happen themselves.
The pair are back in training after missing Solskjaer’s first two games in charge, and could rejoin the squad for tomorrow’s match against Bournemouth at Old Trafford.
Lukaku, 25, who was given compassionate leave over the Christmas period, has scored just six goals in 22 games this season.
And Sanchez, 30, is back from Chile, where he recuperated from a hamstring injury sustained a month ago — and, some suspect, clearing his head after a miserable time under Jose Mourinho. The former Barcelona and Arsenal man’s first year at United has been one to forget, and it was no surprise to see him dropped to the bench for his last two games before injury struck.
The hope is that both Sanchez and Lukaku can make the most of a fresh start under Solskjaer, as Paul Pogba — another of United’s big names — has done so impressively against Cardiff and Huddersfield.
However, the interim manager was quick to place the onus on both players when asked about their loss of form yesterday.
‘I don’t agree that I have done that with Paul and I can do that with Romelu and Alexis,’ said Solskjaer, who also has Anthony Martial available again after illness.
‘I cannot do anything for their performances on the pitch. Paul has done it himself.
‘It’s up to them when they get a chance, that is the name of the game when you are a footballer. You’ve got to do it yourself. I’m coming in from the outside and it’s hard to make a difference.
‘My job has been to speak to the players, try to get to know their feelings, know how their confidence levels are, and how they feel about their own situation because every single one has a responsibility to improve.
‘I give them some guidelines, of course. There has been lots of talk about freedom of expression, but that’s how I’ve always been as a manager.
‘You can’t tell all the players what to do in this position. They are here for a reason.
‘They are good players and it’s up to them to use their imagination, their creativity and just enjoy playing for this club because that is the best time of your life — but it’s not a bad time being a manager for a little while either!’
Even though Antonio Valencia will retain the captain’s armband, Solskjaer reiterated that he intends to build his United team around Pogba, who already has a pair of goals and assists from the Norwegian’s first two games in charge.
‘Paul is one of the top players in the world,’ he added.
‘He’s been the same as the others. The attitude has been perfect, and that’s key when you have players with his quality. He’s
been top-class and, of course, he is someone we’re looking to build a team around.’
At the other end of the scale at United, Solskjaer will continue to give the club’s academy players opportunities whenever possible.
Angel Gomes made an appearance off the bench against Huddersfield on Boxing Day, while James Garner and Mason Greenwood are knocking on the door after being named among the substitutes for Mourinho’s penultimate game in Valencia.
‘As Sir Matt (Busby) once said, “If they’re good enough they’re old enough”, and we’re built on that tradition,’ said Solskjaer. ‘We need young players coming through.
‘It’s important for the academy to know that, yes, I am looking to progress players.
‘We have two or three absolute top talents in the Under 18s. They’re ready to step up.’