Solskjaer puts boot into United flops
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has warned that some of his players need ‘a reality check’ as Manchester United’s resurgence under him continues to falter.
Solskjaer didn’t identify them on Friday but it’s understood that Paul Pogba, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial are among the stars whose performances and attitude are causing their manager concern.
Pogba has been slipping into his old ways that brought him into conflict with 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.
Meanwhile, Martial has suffered an alarming dip in form since signing a new deal at the end of January, and Solskjaer has spoken to him about his situation in a series of one-on-one chats with the players.
“I’ve learnt 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’re 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 got a 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 Everton today followed by home matches against Manchester City and Chelsea.