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(Reuters) – Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer attributed his team’s consistency this season to a change in mindset, but warned his players that they cannot fake their entry into the squad given fierce competition for places.
United have risen to second in the Premier League table thanks to a nine-game unbeaten streak and can match champions Liverpool at the top if they beat fifth-placed Aston Villa later on Friday.
“Definitely the mentality is stronger,” Solskjaer said at a news conference Thursday.
“I think we have competition for places, which means you can’t go around thinking that you can pretend to be part of this team because you only deserve to be on a team that you contribute to.
“I think everyone just realized that they have the privilege of being a part of Manchester United, such a fantastic club with a fantastic history. When you are here, enjoy it as much as you can and maybe experience some great moments.”
United will be without Edinson Cavani, who was suspended for three games after admitting to a charge from the American Football Association (FA) for using a racial term, while Victor Lindelof would also miss while caring for a back injury.
But Solskjaer is confident his team has the depth to cope.
“We have a strong squad,” he said. “We will have injuries and suspensions, that will happen, but our team is very capable and ready for every game.”
(Report from Arvind Sriram in Bengaluru: Edited by Neil Fullick)
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