HUGGY FLAIR
Solskjaer has United flying after ditching Mourinho’s tough love approach
OLEGUNNAR SOLSKJAER is getting the best out of Manchester United players after ditching predecessor Jose Mourinho’s tough love approach.
The Portuguese alienated several key players with his abrasive style of management, which included calling them out publicly. Players like Paul Pogba, Luke Shaw and Anthony Martial, who struggled under Mourinho, are now flourishing under Solskjaer’s more holistic approach.
The United boss said: “I like to speak to them, I like to have individual chats. It’s about seeing everyone as individuals and human beings. You always try to walk out of that room having affected each other. “Whether that’s a smile and you walk out in a good mood, or if I’ve made them think what they need to do to get back into the team, it’s important.
“I remember the managers and coaches I’ve had, when they took the time to really see me as a human being, the whole me, my family and everything, that’s a big part of my style.”
One player in particular who has thrived under Solskjaer is left-back Shaw,
who has rediscovered his finest form after struggling in recent seasons.
The Norwegian added: “Luke has immense quality. You saw the few times against Liverpool when he takes the ball and drives 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 of Luke, when that fitness and mental bit is sorted, you’re always going to get good performances.
“I enjoy talking to Luke, I enjoy trying to help him. He wants to be better.
“It was about getting him to enjoy his football. We know his talent but it was trusting his fitness injury-wise, having players who can back him up. Brandon Williams and Alex Telles coming in have given him a little bit of a push to say, ‘If you’re not performing then I have good options.’”
Solskjaer also praised United’s hierarchy for sticking with him and his long-term vision, even when there were some poor results.
A win at Fulham tonight would see United top the table and he said: “Everyone knows continuity and consistency has to be there to be successful in the end. I’ve felt very strong backing and leadership from the club, which has made the journey we’ve been on – ups and downs – clear.
“We’ve always had a longterm view on it. It’s up to every club how they run the team. But sometimes consistency and patience will be rewarded.”
You always try to walk out of that room having affected each other OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER ON HIS MANAGERIAL STYLE