Alexis Sanchez and Romelu Lukaku given warning by Solskjaer as they return to action for Manchester United
Chilean has recovered from a hamstring injury and the Belgian is back after a few days away on compassionate leave
OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER hopes to have Alexis Sanchez and Romelu Lukaku back for Sunday’s clash with Bournemouth.
But the new Manchester United boss will warn them they have to go out and prove themselves on the pitch – just like Paul Pogba has done.
Sanchez has recovered from a hamstring injury while Lukaku is back after a few days away on compassionate leave.
Meanwhile fellow forward Anthony Martial is also back in the frame after being struck down with illness over Christmas.
The interim boss is delighted to have them back but knows he cannot find space for all the forwards he has in his United squad.
Solskjaer said: “We’ve not had a lot of training since so we had yesterday off, today’s the first day back.
“Romelu, Anthony and Alexis were light on Thursday so hopefully they can join part of the training today, let’s see how they come through.”
Alll three have had their problems with former boss Jose Mourinho – and Solskjaer says all he can do is give them an opportunity.
He added: “I cannot do anything for their performances on the pitch.
“Paul has done it. In my chats with Anthony, Rom, Alexis, I’m here to give them on the path and it’s up to them to do it on the pitch.
“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.
“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 what the players to do in this position… just enjoy playing for this club, that’s the best time of your life.”
“I’ve just been looking at the team, so many good players and when you get these confident and looking forward to games we have a confident squad.
“But it’s a different thing when you’re a fan on the outside, it’s easy to see he should be playing.
“Then suddenly you end up with six forwards – Rom, Alexis, Anthony, Jesse Lingard, Marcus Rashford, Juan Mata.”
Solskjaer has also had good news on the injury front with Marcos Rojo and Scott McTominay due to return to training.
Chris Smalling has a foot injury and is not likely to be back until mid-January.
Solskjaer said: “Marcos and Scott look like they can take part soon.
“Smalling’s got a sorer foot so I don’t think we’ll see him until the New Year, maybe not before Spurs, probably, but you never know.”
