REALITY CHECK
After five defeats in seven games, an outraged Ole says United need a...
OLE GUNNAR Solskjaer has warned that some of his players need a ‘reality check’ as Manchester United’s resurgence under him continues to falter.
Paul Pogba, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial are among the stars whose performances and attitude are causing their manager concern.
Pogba has been slipping in to his old ways that instigated conflict with Solskjaer’s predecessor Jose Mourinho, who confirmed earlier this month that the Frenchman insisted on leaving in his chauffeur-driven Rolls-Royce instead of the team bus after a game at Burnley in September.
One incident under Solskjaer a fortnight ago ended with Pogba being told to switch a personal sponsor’s event with adidas to his
day off after scheduling it for a training day at Carrington.
Sportsmail also revealed how coaching staff have noticed a change in Rashford’s attitude after the young England striker was handed a more prominent role in the first team and talks opened over a new contract.
Martial has suffered an alarming dip in form since signing a new deal at the end of January, and Solskjaer has spoken to the French winger about his situation in a series of one-on-one chats with the player.
‘I’ve learned a lot about them over the months I’ve been here now and you get to know them,’ said the United boss.
‘Most of them have really impressed in their attitude. Of course, there’s some who need to get a reality check on where they are at. But most of them know they can improve if they keep working as they do.
‘I’ve spoken to individuals and they know what we expect from them. Anthony is one I’ve spoken to. Anthony has massive talent. He’s signed a new contract and he knows we believe in him, so just keep on working.
‘I think anyone that plays for Man United has to deliver to stay in the squad and stay in the team. Anthony is no different to Rashy (Rashford) or Rom (Romelu Lukaku) or Alexis (Sanchez).’
A run of five defeats in seven games has seen United drop out of the top four, as well as exiting the Champions League and FA Cup, after such a bright start under Solskjaer.
They face a difficult trip to Everton tomorrow, followed by even tougher fixtures at home to Manchester City and Chelsea.
Solskjaer dismissed suggestions that his players have switched off since he was appointed on a permanent basis last month, but warned there would be ‘no hiding place’ as he identifies those who could be moved on this summer.
‘Every day in training, every game when you’re playing, there’s no hiding place and everyone can see what your level is at,’ he said.
‘We’re working with fantastic staff to create this culture. Players have to take ownership of what’s happening here as well, but the performance on the pitch will determine where they are at — if it’s short-term or long-term.
‘There’s no quick fix. It’s not like, “buy seven players and we’re in the right shape”. We have to take it step by step and there will be signings made.
‘We’ve got scouts scouring the planet for good footballers and we will sign players we think are the right fit. I’m confident we will get them.’