Getting to the top was easy part, says Ole

OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER has called for a ‘laser focus’ from his players as Manchester United’s title challenge reaches the halfway stage at Craven Cottage tonight. Victory over Fulham would guarantee United top spot in the Premier League until at least next week as the competition intensifies. But Solskjaer is reluctant to be drawn into talk of a title race and wants to make sure United do not drop their guard. ‘We are halfway through the season and we are up there,’ he said. ‘But it is a really congested top of the table so we know every little run of form can move you away from teams or a dip of form and you drop down. It’s not about getting there once — that’s the easy bit, to go up the league. Staying there is the challenge and that’s the challenge we are looking forward to — focusing on every game and building this squad. We hope that in the end we can lift the trophy. ‘I don’t think it’s a different mindset at the moment for my group of players. ‘I don’t think where they are in the league really enters their minds. We have a laser focus on just the next game and to get momentum. ‘This season, the lead has changed so many times. The only thing that matters is who is there at the end and that is not something we discuss at the moment.’ Solskjaer (right) revealed that new £37million signing Amad Diallo could break into the first-team squad as early as next month because the 18-year-old Ivorian winger has made a good impression in training. Asked if it could be as little as four or five weeks before Diallo is in line for his debut, the United boss said: ‘It might be quicker than that. I can’t see it being too long until he’s in the squad.’