Man Utd’s star studded squad needed a late winner to see off West Ham at the weekend and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been warned that his big names may not be able to challenge the likes of Chelsea
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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer Post West Ham United
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been warned that his “exciting” looking Manchester United team may lack the balance required to win the league.
The Red Devils have picked up 13 points from a possible 15 so far this term.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho both joined in the summer to bolster what was already an impressive looking frontline.
Solskjaer is now blessed with options and his problem will be fitting them all in and finding winning combinations.
Ronaldo has commanded the No 9 spot since his return whilst the wide players have continued to chop and change such is the depth of quality.
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It was Jesse Lingard who came off the bench to score United’s winner on Sunday against West Ham.
The 28-year-old, who headed out on loan to revive his career last year, is expected to play more of a squad role.
But Neville insists that United’s big names may not necessarily come together in a way that allows them to challenge Chelsea, who have started the season ominously.
He said on his podcast : “Man Utd might be better, if they’ve got Ronaldo stood up top with his movement, not doing too much defensively, they could be a better team with players like Lingard in it.
“Because I think that’s the type of player who could make them a better team.
“Its obviously more exciting to see Pogba, Fernandes, Ronaldo, Cavani, Greenwood, Cavani, Martial, Rashford all play, but can you really create a brilliant team when you’ve got all those attacking players, who haven’t got the other side of the game and the balance.
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“Chelsea have a great balance, Man Utd at this moment in time don’t quite have that same balance.”
Lingard was linked with the exit door in the summer as uncertainty surrounded his role going forward.
Solskjaer insists that the academy graduate will play his part, but many expect that to be from the bench as opposed to the start.
The midfielder has rejected a new contract as he enters the final 12 months of his deal and Neville believes he should’ve perhaps sought pastures new in the summer.
“I thought Jesse should’ve left Man Utd, I said that a few weeks ago,” he added.
“I thought he should play every week. He’s good enough to play football at the top level every single week.
“He’s going to be living off moments at Man Utd, but I was happy for him (on Sunday) because earlier on in the week he made that mistake but for him to bounce back in the way that he did is a fantastic moment for him.”
Solskjaer has confirmed that Lingard will play for United in their midweek Carabao Cup clash.
