WEAKNESS IS ON THE FLANKS NOW

OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER could not have been more clear when he issued a challenge to Manchester United’s players ahead of yesterday’s clash with Everton. ‘As a club we cannot carry players,’ he said. ‘Everyone has to take ownership, keep improving, show that hunger that you want to get better individually and as a team.’ United’s players were the complete opposite in an abject display at Goodison Park, playing like a team of individuals. They just did not look bothered. There were problems all over the pitch. Rarely did the midfielders make themselves available to receive the ball from the back. Paul Pogba did not look capable of sticking to his defensive duties. When Solskjaer arrived he gave United’s forwards their wings. Yesterday they were not at the races. Romelu Lukaku was passive, Anthony Martial played within himself and Marcus Rashford fed off scraps. Now, full backs play a vital role in controlling a game but United started centre half Victor Lindelof on the right and a right back in Diogo Dalot on the left. Neither wanted the ball. Contrast this with Everton. With Richarlison and Bernard coming off the lines, their full backs bombed forward at will. There was a lovely balance to their play and United did not have a clue how to stop them. After this humiliation, United can forget the top four or stopping City winning the title. When they take to the field at Old Trafford in two days’ time, their only concern must be restoring pride in the shirt.