Football

What Ole Gunnar Solskjaer would admit privately but be ‘scared’ to tell his Man Utd squad


That’s the verdict of former Manchester United striker Michael Owen.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer takes charge of his first full season on Sunday when the Red Devils host Frank Lampard’s Chelsea (4.30pm).

United finished sixth last term after winning just one of their final nine games as their season collapsed in front of them.

The 20-time top-flight champions missed out on Champions League qualification for the third time in six years, putting further pressure on them to improve in the transfer window over the summer.

With the market having closed on Thursday evening, United ended with three signings in Daniel James, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Harry Maguire, who became the world’s most expensive defender at £80million.

But United fans were disappointment at the club’s decision not to replace Romelu Lukaku, who joined Inter Milan in a deal worth in the region of £73m.

Solskjaer’s side are somewhat light on quality attacking depth, with Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood – who is yet to make a competitive senior appearance for the Old Trafford outfit – their only outright frontmen.

And with the weaknesses of their squad in mind, Owen believes United would be delighted simply to return to the Champions League. 

He told Premier League Productions: ”I think Ole would be scared to say it to his players but I think secretly he’d snap your hand off with fourth.”

Ex-England No 9 Owen was critical of United’s window, insisting that their signings have not been enough to excite supporters.

“I think there’s been a couple of good signings but good is all they are really,” he declared.

“For £150million, I’m wanting a lot more to get excited about for that. 

“Maguire, yes they need a centre-half, Wan-Bissaka, £50m for a full-back who is a good defender but I’m very sceptical about how good he is on the ball. 

“It’s not got me excited. 

“I’m thinking their target really is top four. When can you ever say that about a Manchester United team?”

Solskjaer has a near fully fit squad to pick from for the visit of Chelsea, although Eric Bailly is out until Christmas after a knee injury sustained in pre-season.

Paul Pogba missed United’s final pre-season friendly against AC Milan with a back spasm but should be fit, while Alexis Sanchez is working his way to fitness after having returned to pre-season late after playing in the Copa America with Chile in the summer. 



READ SOURCE

Leave a Reply

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this site, you accept our use of cookies.