SOLSKJAER TELLS SQUAD THERE CAN BE NO LET-UP
from DAVID MCDONNELL in Linz
OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER has told his Manchester United players to prove their worth as the season enters the home straight.
The Old Trafford outfit are chasing Europa League and FA Cup glory as well as trying to secure a Champions League spot via the Premier League.
They take on LASK in the Europa League tonight in the first leg of their last-16 tie with Solskjaer warning his players to show they are worthy of selection.
United are on a 10-game unbeaten run and head into tonight’s tie – which is being played behind closed doors because of fears over the spread of the coronavirus – in their best form of the campaign.
But Solskjaer (below) has reminded his squad that he will only select those who earn the right to play.
“I think the mindset is getting there, the focus is getting there with the squad we’re building and with competition for places,” said the United boss.
“We’ve now got 24 or 25 players training and competing every day and they all know it’s the business end of the season.
“We’re not giving out game time just for the sake of game time – you need to perform to be in and around the first team or even on the bench.”
Midfielder Scott Mctominay, who scored the second goal in Sunday’s 2-0 win over rivals City, said it will be odd playing in an empty stadium.
“Growing up in the Under-17s or reserve team, you’re used to playing in front of lesser crowds,” he said.
“Then you play in front of 75,000 at Old Trafford. It will be strange, but the boys just have to keep focussed, keep the mentality the same and keep doing what we’re doing. Not much changes for us.”
Anthony Martial, Aaron Wan-bissaka and Diogo Dalot did not make the trip. Martial collided with a post during the City win and may not be fit for Sunday’s trip to Tottenham.
“Anthony hurt himself when he slid into the post so he’s not ready,” said Solskjaer. “Hopefully he’s ready for Sunday, but I’m not sure because he’s struggling.” Paul Pogba, who has made just eight appearances this season and has not played since Boxing Day following ankle surgery, could be back next week.
“Paul is getting closer,” added Solskjaer. “But he’s not trained with the team yet.”