Ole Gunnar Solskjaer urges Man Utd misfits to step up and follow Paul Pogba's example
Romelu Lukaku, Anthony Martial and Alexis Sanchez have been told to follow the example set by Paul Pogba and accept the responsibility for reviving their Manchester United form under interim manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
The popular Norwegian has refused to take credit for the turnaround in Pogba’s performances since he replaced Jose Mourinho before Christmas.
The French World Cup winner, so often in conflict with Solskjaer’s predecessor, has impressed in wins over Cardiff and Huddersfield that ensured the new manager’s regime started impressively.
“I cannot do anything for their performances on the pitch, Paul has done it himself,” said Solskjaer. “The players have done the performances. My chats with Anthony, Romelu, Alexis, whoever, has not felt that they cannot produce their best football.
“I’m here to guide them, help them on the path and it’s up to them to do it on the pitch.
“I’m coming in from the outside, it’s hard to make a difference. My job has been to speak to the players, try to get to know their feelings, know how their confidence levels are, and how they feel about their own situation, because every single one has a responsibility to improve.
“That is the name of the game when you are a footballer, you’ve got to do it yourself. I give them some guidelines of course, there has been lots of talk on expression, freedom of expression, but that’s how I’ve always been as a manager.
“They are good players and it’s up to them to use their imagination, their creativity and just enjoy playing for this club, because that is the best time of your life, but it’s not a bad time being a manager for a little while either.”
Lukaku has missed the first two games of Solskjaer’s reign, having been given “compassionate leave” by the club, while Sanchez has been sidelined since late November with a hamstring injury.
