Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s ruthlessness was questioned over the summer as Manchester United headed on pre-season tour having not sold a single member of the squad despite bold promises of clearing out the squad.
It was after the 4-0 hammering by Everton thatSolskjaersaid : “I’m going to be successful at this football club, some of these players will be on the journey with me and some of them won’t.”
It took longer than anticipated but United did finally sellRomelu Lukakuand sent Alexis Sanchez andChris Smallingout on loan but the rest of the squad remains the same. In reality the Norwegian was never going to be able to clear out every player not deemed to beUnitedquality and the rebuild Solskjaer speaks of will take time.
“We’re unhappy about the results and it’s the results that bring out the mood of everyone. to say sorry to the fans that we’re not winning games, “Solskjaer said after the defeat to Newcastle.
” But that’s down to starting a rebuild and this is not a similar situation to when I was sat here after the defeat at Everton, when I felt people had given up, and that they don’t give what they have for the shirt.
“These boys give everything for the shirt and we’ll get there again.”
Solskjaer wants players at the club who want to be there and fight for the badge and he’s already set about giving the next generation new contracts. Mason Greenwood, Brandon Wiliams and Axel Tuanzebe have all signed new long term deals with the club a s Solskjaer sets about his restructure.
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But one player who hasn’t is Tahith Chong.
The 19 – year -old has been offered a new contract but has yet to sign it. United are keen to keep him at the club but if the teenager isn’t committed to the cause Solskjaer should rediscover that ruthlessness and let him go.
“It’s early right now, “Chong told FOX Sports about his contract stand off. “I’m still a player of Manchester United and the season is in full swing. My focus is on that.
” The contract will come naturally. I am now focusing on this season. “
Solskjaer opted against sending him out on loan at the start of the season because he thought he could see the youngster making an impact at Old Trafford but he’s failed to impress in the first team opportunities he’s been given so far during this campaign.
While he’s excelled at under – 23 s level the first team looks to be a step too far at the moment for the teenager and he has made just two first team starts since the start of the season. He’s yet to show that he’s worth fighting for and if he thinks he’ll get better terms elsewhere than Solskjaer shouldn’t stand in his way.
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