United manager says title challenge 'not realistic' next season: "You don't suddenly catch 27 points in one season"
Sunday 5 May 2019 17:46, UK
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has warned Manchester United's under-performing stars they must improve next season to ensure they do not drop outside of the top six.
United are depending on Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham to drop points in their remaining games to have a chance of finishing in the top four after a poor run of form has seen them lose three of their last five in the Premier League.
Solskjaer, the United manager, admits a title challenge is "not realistic" next term - "you don't suddenly catch 27 points in one season" - and says the club must take things "gradually" as he looks to rebuild the squad.
"You've got Leicester, Everton, Watford, probably Newcastle, you've got clubs that want to chase us," said Solskjaer, ahead of Sunday's Sky Live trip to Huddersfield.
"We have to make sure that we are ones who chase those ahead of us.
"We have to make sure that we are getting closer and moving that way up the table and not looking over the shoulders because there are big clubs, good clubs wanting to chase that top six."
United are set for their biggest clear-out in four years this summer with as many six players set to leave Old Trafford at the end of the season, Sky Sports News understands.
Solskjaer, speaking after last month's embarrassing 4-0 defeat at Everton, said "I will be successful here" but some "players that won't be part of that".
And he has reiterated that threat to his players ahead of Sunday's trip to relegated Huddersfield - a game they must win to salvage any hope of finishing in the top four.
He said: "My job is to work for the club. I have to manage for the club, and manage the players, yes. You give people a chance, but sometimes, you've got to be ruthless and say: 'Sorry but you had your chance.' I'm not afraid to do that."
Solskjaer also reiterated that he is "not worried" about United attracting top talent in the summer - even if they are unable to secure Champions League football next season.
"I know Manchester United is something players would love to experience," he added.
"Manchester United will always be a dream for so many. There might be players where Champions League football [solely] matters for them, and they might not be the right people.
"We've got to get it right on the pitch with the ones we have. It's not just about signing players," he said.
"It's about making sure that the ones here get the maximum out of their potential, because we do have so many good players here, and that's my job, to work with them. At the moment, I'm responsible for the performances. I'm the one that should get that flak if there is some."
