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LONDON: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says players cannot “pretend” to join the Manchester United squad, pointing out that fierce competition for venues and a stronger mentality are factors in their rise.
The Old Trafford giants will start against Aston Villa on Friday second in the Premier League, just three points behind leaders Liverpool and one game less.
So far, Solskjaer has been coy in talking about a push for a first Premier League crown since 2013, but was more outspoken about the progress made in his two years on the bench.
The United manager said the players had grown mentally stronger since he arrived in 2018.
“One, they are two years older than when I came here,” he said Thursday. “Two, some of them are really strong personalities that we’ve brought in and they’ve really been a good influence.
“I think we have competition for places, which means you can’t go around and think that you can pretend to be part of this team because you only deserve to be on a team that you contribute to.”
Solskjaer said his players had realized that it was a privilege to play for England’s 20-time champions.
“When you are here, enjoy it as much as you can and you may experience some fantastic moments,” he said.
“We have winners like Juan Mata and Nemanja Matic, who don’t actually play every game, but they are very influential in the group, in the preparation of the games and even during the games when they are not playing.”
Solskjaer made six changes for a 1-0 last-gasp win against the Wolves on Tuesday, when Luke Shaw, Anthony Martial and Scott McTominay came off a bench that included Mata, Fred and Donny van de Beek.
“We have a strong team,” said the Norwegian.
“We’ve rotated a lot and haven’t really found an established XI this season, but I don’t think that’s what it’s about this season anyway.
“It’s going to be a roster of 25-26 players and I think that towards the end of the season that will help us.”
Solskjaer knows he was left out of his playing time at Old Trafford, when Alex Ferguson often used him as a substitute.
The Norwegian scored four goals against Everton in 1999 only to later be benched in his next league game.
“They are horses for the fields,” Solskjaer said. “You think some players are better suited for some teams but of course you plan ahead.
“I remember those four goals. I also remember the times when you feel like you deserve to play and you stay out. That’s part of being at Manchester United.
“We have the best players everywhere and we know that throughout the season, if you are going to win something you have to contribute.”
