Smalling not in Ole plans for campaign

OLE Gunnar Solskjaer says ‘different things’ need to happen if Chris Smalling is to ever play for United again.

M.E.N. Sport revealed the 30-year-old has been training in a separate bubble from the first-team squad at Carrington ahead of a possible transfer but the Reds boss clarified in midweek the club had not received an acceptable offer for the defender.

Roma expressed interest in signing Smalling permanently after his productive season-long loan in Italy but the Serie A side have just nine days to finalise a deal.

Despite the possibility the former England international could end up staying at United beyond the summer window, Solskjaer suggested something would have to change if the centre-back was to ever be considered for selection again.

“Different things need to happen, then,” he said. “So let’s wait and see if there is that change. So let’s see what happens if and when the transfer window closes and what happens to Chris.”

United have a bloated squad of 31 but Solskjaer says it is not his job to keep fringe players happy. He said: “Players are happy when they play well and win games, I am happy when we play well and win games. It’s not my job to keep them happy, my job is to pick players for the club that get results.

“And it’s up to them to be fit, to work hard and be ready when called upon.

“I’m very confident in my players. We’re just working on getting better, my focus is solely on the (Brighton) game, I can’t be thinking any other way.”