Their kids are alright OLE: BLUES ARE AHEAD
OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER admits Chelsea are in front of Manchester United in the regeneration game.
Both clubs are pinning their return to glory on the crop of youngsters coming through their academies, many of whom are likely to be on show tonight when the pair meet in the Carabao Cup.
However, Solskjaer says Chelsea’s wider use of the loan system has given his players vital Championship experience, while his kids are having to come in cold.
“Frank has got players that have been on loan for one or two seasons in the Championship,” the United boss said.
“The difference between my youngsters is that they are almost stepping right now onto the scene.
“Chelsea’s young players benefit from having been out on loan now. They are a mature young team.” Solskjaer nevertheless said that the baptism of fire he has had to give a number of his younger players this season will serve them well.
“Character will be revealed in tough times, and I think they have done excellent, the young kids,” he said.
“I can’t give them any more responsibility and I couldn’t be any more happy with many of the youngsters.
“We know it’s been tough, and we know that we have asked a lot of them because Paul Pogba, Luke Shaw, Anthony Martial, loads of other players, have been injured.
“And for us the youngsters have stepped up in a difficult period. But in the end they will be stronger for it.”
English teenagers Brandon Williams and James Garner are among those likely to feature at Stamford Bridge.
Solskjaer is convinced that opinionsplitting Brazilian Fred could be the man to fill Pogba’s shoes until he returns in December.
“Fred will probably take Paul’s position for a while now and that’s been brilliant for us,” Solskjaer said.
“But Andreas Pereira has grown in the last few games. His energy and running, chasing, he is a different sort of 10.
“I think his energy and drive – both Brazilians to be fair – are going to be important for us. Scott McTominay was excellent, but Scotty is a different player.
“He can play also in the central positions, so I am delighted with him.”