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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
David Anderson

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says he won't force Man Utd stars to play amid coronavirus crisis

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer claims he will not force any Manchester United player to return if they feel it is unsafe.

United plan to begin training at Carrington on May 18 ahead of the season’s resumption next month and Sergio Aguero claims many players are scared to come back.

Solskjaer says he will listen to any concerns his players may have and will not hold it against them if they decide they do not want to return.

"No, you would not hold anything against them,” said the United boss. “You need to get to know them throughout a season to know if a player is not mentally ready to play.

Solskjaer says he will not force his Man Utd stars to play (PA)

"I don’t think we could force anyone. They’ve not raised too many concerns, but we trust the experts and the health officials to say if and when it is safe to start again.

"I’ve not spoken to any of the boys about it. The doc has been speaking to them.

"Of course in every meeting we’ve spoken about players’ safety and welfare, that’s the key now. We’re not going to take any risks. Our doctor has been very strict.

"When we start to play, it will be a boost for everyone to get football back on. I’m just hoping we can get a solution and a safe solution soon."

United look set to emerge from the break with a stronger squad at Solskjaer's disposal, as Paul Pogba and Marcus Rashford near returns from injury.

Asked by Sky Sports whether Pogba would be ready for action, Solskjaer said: "I definitely think he is raring to go.

"Paul has had a difficult season with injuries. He said that himself.

"Marcus as well is getting better. For those two, this gives them a chance to start on a par or even ahead of the other players if, and when, we get going.

"They have been focused and mentally it’s maybe easier for them to train hard now because they can see light at the end of the tunnel."

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