United won’t force players to play if they don’t want to
OLE Gunnar Solskjaer says he would never force a player to take to the field if he didn’t feel safe once football resumes following the coronavirus break.
The Reds look set to return to training on May 18, with the Premier League keen to re-start the season in the middle of next month.
City striker Sergio Aguero said last week some players may be ‘scared’ to return to action, with fears about contracting the virus while in close contact with other players.
And United boss Solskjaer says he would understand if any member of his squad said they didn’t want to play.
He said: “You wouldn’t hold anything against them. If a player is not mentally ready to play, I don’t think we could force anyone.
“They’ve not raised too many concerns, but of course we trust the experts, the health officers.”
It is highly likely that when the Premier League does resume, games will be played behind closed doors and at neutral venues.
Which means United will have already played their last match of the season at Old Trafford. And there is no guarantee that fans will be allowed back in the ground at the start of next season either.
When asked about the prospect of playing behind closed doors at neutral venues, Solskjaer added: “Football has always been about the fans, the environment we play in and the atmosphere.
“But these are strange times. Whatever they decide, it’s going to be a boost for everyone to get football back on.
“I’m just hoping we get a safe solution soon.”