OLE’S GONNA HUG YA!
Solskjaer has United flying after rejecting Jose-style ‘tough love’ approach to his players
OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER is getting the best out of his Manchester United players after ditching predecessor Jose Mourinho’s tough-love approach.
Mourinho alienated several key players during his time at Old Trafford with an abrasive style of management.
But players like Paul Pogba, Luke Shaw and Anthony Martial, who struggled under Mourinho, are now flourishing under a more personal approach.
Solskjaer said having a close relationship with his players was the key to getting the best from them. “Personally, I like to have individual chats,” said the Norwegian. “It’s about seeing everyone as individuals and human beings.
“I spend a lot of time speaking to individuals and you always try to walk out of that room having affected each other.
“Maybe that’s a smile and you walk out in a good mood or maybe I’ve made them think what they need to do to get back into the team. But I do really enjoy individual chats, I think they are important.”
One player who has really thrived under Solskjaer is leftback Shaw, who has rediscovered his best form this season after an unhappy time under Mourinho.
“Luke has immense quality,” said Solskjaer. “You saw that against Liverpool when he drove forward. It’s something that I’ve pushed him to do more because we know he can do it.
“He’s mentally very good at the moment. He’s become a dad, he’s physically very good, and his fitness is so much better.
“When you have the talent Luke has, and fitness and mentality is sorted, you’re always going to get good performances.
“Luke’s a boy I enjoy talking to, I enjoy trying to help him.
“It was about getting him to enjoy his football.
“We know his talent, but it was trusting his fitness and having players who can push him.
“Both Brandon Williams and Alex Telles coming in have given him a little bit of a push, as if to say: ‘If you’re not performing then the manager still has good options’.”
Solskjaer praised United’s hierarchy for sticking by him amid poor results earlier in the season.
“Everyone knows continuity and consistency has to be there to be successful,” said Solskjaer.
“I’ve felt very strong backing and leadership from the club.
“We’ve always had a long-term view. It’s up to every club, of course, how they run the team. But sometimes consistency and patience will be rewarded.”
LINE-UPS
FULHAM Areola, Aina, Andersen, Adarabioyo, Tete, Reid, Reed, Anguissa, Bryan, Lookman, Mitrovic MAN UTD De Gea, Wan-bissaka, Bailly, Maguire, Telles, Matic, Pogba, Greenwood, Fernandes, Rashford, Cavani
Martin Atkinson