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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer tells his team that they can no longer ‘pretend’ to get to his Manchester United side, and praises the improvement in mentality at Old Trafford since he was put in charge two years ago.
- Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admits his players get mad when they rotate
- The Norwegian had to switch sides after a hectic start to the season
- Solskjaer says he has noticed a significant mentality shift in his players
- Manchester United advanced second after Marcus Rashford’s win over Wolves
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says his Manchester United stars know they can no longer ‘pretend’ in the first team at Old Trafford.
Solskjaer admits that his players get angry when he has rotated them during a hectic start to the season that could see United rise to the top if they beat Aston Villa at home on Friday night.
But this has not always been the case during his first two years at the helm, and the United manager believes there has been a big change of mind at the club with the arrival of players like Bruno Fernandes and Harry Maguire.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer believes his side has changed his bondage as they fight for a title
Harry Maguire and Bruno Fernandes have contributed significantly since joining the club
“Definitely,” he said. One, they are two years older than when I came. Two, some of them are really strong personalities that we’ve brought in and they’ve been a really good influence.
“We have competition for places, which means you can’t go around and think that you can pretend to be part of this team. You only deserve to be on a team that you contribute to.
“I think everyone has realized that they have the privilege of being part of Man United, such a fantastic club with a fantastic history.
“When you are here, enjoy it as much as you can and you may experience some fantastic moments.”
Solskjaer made six changes for Tuesday’s win over Wolves and will do more for Villa’s visit. He admits that his players are not happy with the break, but the heavy list of games this season needs to be dealt with.
The former United striker experienced it for himself with Sir Alex Ferguson, having scored four goals against Everton in December 1999 and being an unused substitute at West Ham a week later.
Marcus Rashford’s 93rd-minute goal against Wolves brought Manchester United to second place
“They are course horses,” Solskjaer added. “You think that some players are better suited for some teams but of course you plan ahead.
“ I remember those four goals and I also remember the times that you feel you deserve to play and you stay out.
Nemanja Matic and Paul Pogba kept their positions in the team after playing well against Everton
‘That’s part of being at Man United, you have the best players everywhere. We know that throughout the season if you are going to win something you have to contribute.
‘This is how it’s going to be. Players will have to be mad at me until the next time they play because, trust me, they are not happy when I tell them to start on the bench.
‘We have a strong squad and we have rotated a lot. We haven’t really called it an established XI because I don’t think this season is going to be about that anyway. It’s going to be about the team. It’s about the 25 players.
Solskjaer praised Scott McTominay and Fred despite the pair not starting against the Wolves
I think towards the end of the season that will help us. It has to be done this way. When you leave out Scott (McTominay) and Fred (against the Wolves) it’s not easy because they deserve to play every game, but Nemanja (Matic) and Paul (Pogba) played very well against Everton.
“There will be injuries and suspensions, so I think our team is capable of being prepared for every game.”
