Ben Guest
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has said that he cannot do anything to help Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez solve their lack of form, insisting it is all down to the players.
Lukaku has scored just six goals this season for Manchester United, while Sanchez has netted just one, as both players suffered under the management of Jose Mourinho and his defensive tactics.
The Red Devils had a distinct lack of options in attacking areas for the 3-1 win over Huddersfield at the weekend, with Anthony Martial joining Lukaku and Sanchez on the sidelines, but Solskjaer has confirmed that all three have returned to training ahead of tomorrow’s clash against Bournemouth at Old Trafford.
“Romelu, Anthony [Martial] and Alexis they were light, light [training] yesterday so hopefully they can join part of the training today and let’s see after how they come through,” Solskjaer said in his pre-match press conference.
Martial put in a good performance in Solskjaer’s first game in charge, finishing off a sublime passing move to make it 3-0 in the 5-1 thrashing of Cardiff before Christmas. However, Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez have been in pretty poor form, with Sanchez only scoring four goals since arrival from Arsenal last summer.
Speaking about his strikers struggles, Solksjaer added that while he will provide guidance, only they can turn around their fortunes.
“I cannot do anything for their performances on the pitch; Paul [Pogba] has done it,” said the Norwegian.
“I’m here to keep them on the path and it’s up to them when they get a chance – that’s the name of the game as a footballer.
“I gave some guidelines of course on expression, freedom of expression but that’s how I’ve always been as a manager – just enjoy playing for this club. That’s the best time of your life, but it’s not a bad time to be manager for a while.”
Lukaku hasn’t played since the 3-1 defeat to Liverpool on December 16, while Sanchez hasn’t featured since the 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace on November 24.