Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has delivered a warning to his Man Utd stars that he will not tolerate any “rotten apples” in his squad.
The United boss has been slowly putting his stamp on the team and has begun to reverse the club’s fortunes on the field.
A number of high-profile players have been offloaded since his appointment last year, and it seems Solskjaer would have no qualms about wielding the axe again if anyone refuses to get in line.
Opening up on his own experiences as a player, Solskjaer said in an interview with the ShivNadarFoundation: “I did feel that I was professional and did feel privileged to play for Manchester United.
“I wouldn’t be able to look at myself if I didn’t know I’d given everything for my teammates and my manager.
(Image: PA)
“That’s what I also now look for in players that we sign or we bring up from the youth team.
“You have to have a good personality and that you are professional because one rotten apple in the basket will make the others rotten.”
Whilst Solskjaer didn’t mention any names specifically, his comments could be seen as a thinly-veiled swipe at some of his current and former charges.
(Image: Getty Images)
Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez were both moved out of Old Trafford last summer after rumours of discontent behind the scenes with the pair.
Solskjaer’s tenure has also been dogged with speculation Paul Pogba is seeking to leave the club, though rumours linking him with an exit have gone quiet in recent months.
The Norwegian coach explained: “So for me it’s about building a team that will reflect me and my coaching staff’s personalities and views. Of course there are standards because we want to win. We are in the business to win.
“But the first step to be a Man Utd player and person, you have to be humble enough to know you have to work hard. Never give in and always do your best, 100% effort is required every day and don’t think you are better than you are.
“You still have to play with that confidence at the same time. It’s a fine balance but that is what is going to make the difference when we want to get to the championship again that we want to win.”
Sign up to the Mirror Football email here for the latest news and transfer gossip.
