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Follow Pogba’s example, Solskjaer tells lacklustre star trio
MANCHESTER, United Kingdom, Dec 28, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
has warned Manchester United stars Romelu Lukaku, Anthony Martial and Alexis
Sanchez they should follow Paul Pogba’s example if they are to revive their
careers at the club.
Lukaku and Sanchez suffered a dramatic loss of form in the last months of
Jose Mourinho’s tempestuous spell in charge at Old Trafford, while Martial
was criticised by the Portuguese coach before finding his scoring boots.
World Cup winner Pogba was another key player who became a symbol of the
club’s decline in the final weeks before Mourinho’s two-and-a-half year
tenure came to an end before Christmas.
But the 25-year-old Frenchman has responded superbly to Solskjaer’s first
week in charge and made big contributions to a 5-1 win at Cardiff and 3-1
home victory against Huddersfield.
Lukaku missed those games, having been given ‘compassionate leave’ by the
cub, as did Sanchez who has been sidelined since late November with a
hamstring injury.
Solskjaer says Pogba deserves all the credit for his return to form.
“I cannot do anything for their performances on the pitch,” said
Solskjaer.
“Paul has done it himself. It’s up to them when they get a chance. That’s
the name of the game as a footballer, you’ve got to do it yourself.”
Solskjaer, whose side play out-of-form Bournemouth on Sunday, said he can
advise the players but ultimately it is down to them to change their
attitude.
“I gave some guidelines of course, on expression, freedom of expression,
but that’s how I’ve always been as a manager. You can’t tell the players what
to do in this position,” said the 45-year-old Norwegian.
“Just enjoy playing for this club, that’s the best time of your life.”
– Pogba among world’s ‘top players’ –
Pogba’s rejuvenated form has certainly been one of the key factors in
Solskjaer’s first games in charge, after the midfielder’s much-publicised
difficulties with Mourinho.
Solskjaer reiterated that Pogba is the sort of player United should build
a team around.
“He’s one of the top, top players in the world,” said Solskjaer.
“Attacking wise, he’s done really well but he’s a big lad, can win
headers, tackles.
“The attitude has been perfect and that’s key, you should be tired towards
the end of every single game.
“He’s been top class and we’re looking to build a team around him, of
course.”
Solskjaer also gave 18-year-old forward Angel Gomes an outing as a late
substitute against Huddersfield and has repeated his vow to use youngsters in
his spell in charge at Old Trafford.
Midfielder Jimmy Garner, who travelled to Cardiff last week, and forward
Mason Greenwood — both 17 — are also prominent in the manager’s thoughts.
“As Sir Matt (Busby) once said, if they’re old enough, they’re good
enough,” said Solskjaer.
“We’re built on that tradition, we need young players coming through, it’s
important in the academy.
“I am looking to bring players through, we have top talents in the under-
18s knocking on the door now.
“We’ve had a couple of injuries and fatigue has been involved and they’re
ready to step up.”
BSS/AFP/SSS/1648 hrs