Ole Gunnar Solskjaer believes some members of his Manchester United squad need a âreality checkâ ahead of a potentially pivotal next few weeks for the club.
A 3-0 humbling at the hands of Barcelona in midweek saw United knocked out of the Champions League at the quarter-final stage, which meant they have now lost five of their past seven matches.
United face a battle to qualify for Europeâs elite club competition next season but while Solskjaer is satisfied with the attitude of the majority of his squad, he delivered a remarkable broadside at others.
Speaking ahead of this weekendâs Premier League visit to Everton on Sunday, the United manager said: âIâve learned a lot about them over the months Iâve been here now.
âYou get to know them, most of them have really impressed me in their attitude and there are some that need to get a reality check on where theyâre at.
âWhen youâre out there, there is no hiding place, you canât hide and everyone can see where your levels are at.
âWeâre also working on training here with a fantastic staff Iâve got to create this culture that we want.
âYouâve got players to take ownership of whatâs happening here as well. But of course itâs the performances on the pitch which will determine where theyâre at in their careers. But most of them know they can improve if they keep working as they do.â
One of those who attracted Solskjaerâs discontent is Anthony Martial, who signed a new five-year contract in January but has delivered a string of underwhelming performances in recent weeks.
The Norwegian added: âIâve spoken to individuals and they know, and Anthonyâs one of them, Iâve spoken to all of them individually what we expect from them.
âAnthonyâs got a massive talent, heâs signed a new contract, he knows that we believe in him so just keep on working.
âI think anyone that plays for Manchester United has to deliver to stay in the squad and stay in the team. Anthonyâs no different to (Marcus Rashford, Romelu Lukaku, Alexis Sanchez) or the many forwards that we have to choose from.â
Solskjaer faces a summer of upheaval as he looks for United to challenge on both domestic and European fronts once again.
However, the former United striker warned a spate of signings will not act as a panacea.
Solskjaer said: âWe know we have to be realistic here and we know we have a job to be done. Thereâs no quick fix, itâs not like we buy seven players and suddenly weâre in the right shape, we are where we are.
âWe have to take it step-by-step and of course there will be signings made in the summer.â
Solskjaer and his troops have no time to dwell on the Barcelona defeat with three crucial clashes in the space of eight days coming up, starting with their trip to Goodison Park.
The Manchester derby at Old Trafford on Wednesday is then followed by Chelseaâs visit on Sunday week in a run of fixtures that could go a long way towards defining Unitedâs campaign.
Solskjaer, who revealed midfielder Ander Herrera is back in training, said: âYou have to get on with it quickly, just accept weâre out of the Champions League. There is no shame in going out to Barcelona.
âWe spoke about it after the game and said we want to be here again. To be back at these stadiums, we need to get among the top four.
âItâs a fantastic week to look forward to. The players are in a good state mentally and theyâre strong mentally.â
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