Ole Gunnar Solskjær has said it is down to Alexis Sánchez and Romelu Lukaku to be self-motivated and follow Paul Pogba’s example by proving their worth again at Manchester United – because this should be the “best time of their life”.
The interim manager has selected Pogba for his opening two games and been rewarded with impressive displays from the midfielder. Sánchez and Lukaku have been out of form this season but Solskjær is adamant it is not down to him to improve them.
“I think you put it the wrong way,” he said. “I cannot do anything for their performances on the pitch. Paul has done it [himself]. My chats with Anthony [Martial], Romelu, Alexis, I’m here to put them on the path and it’s up to them to do it on the pitch. 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.
“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. Just enjoy playing for this club – that’s the best time of your life.”
Solskjær said he was unable to offer a view on why Lukaku and Sánchez had not performed when he watched them before taking over.
He said: “I cannot tell you. It’s a different thing when you’re a fan on the outside. It’s easy to see he should be playing – suddenly you end up with six forwards, six centre-backs. My thing now is Romelu, Alexis, Anthony, Jesse [Lingard], Marcus [Rashford], Juan [Mata]: six forwards. The rotation and communication between players is important to know they will get chances.”
