In Singapore after an old pal gets out the best China OLE & ROY’S SPEAKEASY
Pundit Keane dishes out advice over a cuppa
you have players choosing or you can have me being like a dictator,” said Solskjaer.
Leaders
“We have got leaders in this group. We’ve shared it round with Juan Mata, Ashley Young, then there’s David (de Gea), Paul ( Pogba) and Nemanja Matic.
“We’ve had loads of captains so let’s see who’s going to be in charge.
“But I accept good ones like Keane and Bryan Robson are hard to find. And now Kompany has left City it will be hard for them to replace him too.”
The captaincy is just one of several headaches for Solskjaer.
But as he outlined his plans for the new season on the second leg of United’s pre-season tour in Singapore, he insists he can deal with the burden of expectation with the football world hoping his stars fail.
“It is part of being at United. When we finished second in the league under Sir Alex, that was considered a crisis! So I can handle that pressure” he said.
“I know we are under scrutiny. Everyone apart from our fans wants us to fail.
Improve
“The players have to stick together. I am sure we will improve on last season, so let’s see where we end up.
“But I have loved every minute of it, being responsible for the state of affairs at United. That is what you are as a manager, when results go well of course you get praised. When you don’t do well, you get criticism.”
Solskjaer’s vision of using a hi-tempo press is closer with players fitter and better prepared than last year.
“They showed me in the first two months what we are capable of if we are mentally and physically ready for every game.
“I was realistic enough to know it wouldn’t last but it’s been a great last three weeks since we returned.”