United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says some players need ‘reality check’

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admits some of his players need a ‘reality check’ after five defeats in seven games stalled Manchester United’s resurgence under him.

The Red Devils have also crashed out of the Champions League with a 3-0 defeat at Barcelona, leaving Solskjaer concerned with performances of several key players. We are sixth in the Premier League, two points adrift of fourth-placed Arsenal, with five matches remaining.

Ahead of United’s visit to Everton on Sunday, the Norwegian warned that there is ‘no hiding place’ for his players on the pitch and in training as he prepares to make changes in the summer.

“Most of the players have really impressed me with their attitude,” Solskjaer addressed in his pre-match presser against Everton. (h/t The BBC)

“But of course there are some that need to get a reality check on where they’re at.

“Anyone that plays for Manchester United has to deliver to stay in the squad and Anthony Martial is not different to the other forwards like Marcus Rashford, Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez we have to choose from.”

Sunday’s fixture at Goodison Park starts off a crucial week for the Red Devils. On Wednesday, we take on Manchester City in a massive local derby, and the following weekend, we welcome Chelsea—who are also in the top-four battle—to Old Trafford. Despite the pressure on the team to perform, our gaffer said he’s excited for the challenge to come.

On the injury front, the 46-year-old confirmed that Ander Herrera and Eric Bailly are back in training, while Nemanja Matic and Alexis Sanchez could be involved against Everton.

Manchester United cannot afford more slip-ups if we are to qualify for the Champions League. Although we won against Watford and West Ham at home, the two wins were purely on luck as on both the occasions the visitors were a better team.

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Sunday’s clash with Everton will be a challenge, as the Toffees have taken seven points from their home games of late, drawing with Liverpool and then beating Chelsea and Arsenal. So let’s hope we give our best and bounce back from the disappointing defeat against Barcelona at Goodison Park.