Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is facing an important decision ahead of the January transfer window and he has received words of advice from one Manchester United legend
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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer praises Cristiano Ronaldo
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been warned not to leave Manchester United short of attackers – as he cannot rely on Cristiano Ronaldo to play every game.
Ronaldo, 36, was handed a rest for Wednesday night’s clash with West Ham having started the Red Devils’ previous three games.
Solskjaer hinted the Portugal striker wanted to feature in the Carabao Cup tie as he spoke ahead of the match, but admitted he does not “think it is possible”.
United legend Paul Ince echoed these claims as he made a case for Anthony Martial to stay at Old Trafford amid speculation the out-of-form forward could leave next year.
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“We’ve got to be careful because things do change,” Ince told The United Stand when asked if Martial could be on the way out.
“We’re saying, ‘Ronaldo’s going to play every game’, but he’s 36, who knows, he could pick up an injury and is out for three or four weeks, Martial comes back in, gets a couple of goals and a run in the team.
“I’ve seen it so many times in the game where a player comes back in – he’s been out in Siberia – does well, he’s got a year left, and all of a sudden he signs a four-year contract. And you think: ‘Where’s that come from?!’”
Ince admitted it was “sad” to see Martial struggle in front of goal against West Ham, given opportunities are at a premium for the Frenchman.
He added: “Martial has got to be ready for his opportunity. I don’t think Ronaldo will play every game.
Would Manchester United be making a mistake if they sold Anthony Martial? Have your say in the comments.
“Yesterday was an opportunity for Martial to say to the manager, ‘Look at me, I still want to push for a shirt!’, and that was the sad thing about yesterday.”
Solskjaer made 11 changes to the starting line-up to face West Ham in midweek having beaten the Irons 2-1 in the Premier League three days earlier.
“We decided more or less before Sunday [to make changes],” Solskjaer told Sky Sports .
“We need more players to get match fit. Alex Telles is back and has been training for a week. It will be a long season.
“Cristiano has come in and made a difference already, he wants to play as much as possible but I don’t think it is possible.
“If you are going to be successful at the end, you need the whole squad and minutes to be shared out. A risk making so many changes but we have played some games behind closed doors and hopefully we find the rhythm.”
