Share

Follow Pogba's example, Solskjaer tells lacklustre star trio

Manchester - Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has warned Manchester United stars Romelu Lukaku, Anthony Martial and Alexis Sanchez they should follow Paul Pogba's example if they are to revive their careers at the club.

Lukaku and Sanchez suffered a dramatic loss of form in the last months of Jose Mourinho's tempestuous spell in charge at Old Trafford, while Martial was criticised by the Portuguese coach before finding his scoring boots.

World Cup winner Pogba was another key player who became a symbol of the club's decline in the final weeks before Mourinho's two-and-a-half year tenure came to an end before Christmas.

But the 25-year-old Frenchman has responded superbly to Solskjaer's first week in charge and made big contributions to a 5-1 win at Cardiff and 3-1 home victory against Huddersfield.

Lukaku missed those games, having been given 'compassionate leave' by the cub, as did Sanchez who has been sidelined since late November with a hamstring injury.

Solskjaer says Pogba deserves all the credit for his return to form.

"I cannot do anything for their performances on the pitch," said Solskjaer.

"Paul has done it himself. 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."

Solskjaer, whose side play out-of-form Bournemouth on Sunday, said he can advise the players but ultimately it is down to them to change their attitude.

"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," said the 45-year-old Norwegian.

"Just enjoy playing for this club, that's the best time of your life."

Pogba among world's 'top players'

Pogba's rejuvenated form has certainly been one of the key factors in Solskjaer's first games in charge, after the midfielder's much-publicised difficulties with Mourinho.

Solskjaer reiterated that Pogba is the sort of player United should build a team around.

"He's one of the top, top players in the world," said Solskjaer.

"Attacking wise, he's done really well but he's a big lad, can win headers, tackles.

"The attitude has been perfect and that's key, you should be tired towards the end of every single game.

"He's been top class and we're looking to build a team around him, of course."

Solskjaer also gave 18-year-old forward Angel Gomes an outing as a late substitute against Huddersfield and has repeated his vow to use youngsters in his spell in charge at Old Trafford.

Midfielder Jimmy Garner, who travelled to Cardiff last week, and forward Mason Greenwood -- both 17 -- are also prominent in the manager's thoughts.

"As Sir Matt (Busby) once said, if they're old enough, they're good enough," said Solskjaer.

"We're built on that tradition, we need young players coming through, it's important in the academy.

"I am looking to bring players through, we have top talents in the under-18s knocking on the door now.

"We've had a couple of injuries and fatigue has been involved and they're ready to step up."

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2244 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE