Manchester United’s clash against Southampton this Monday evening earmarks the start of a three fixture game-week for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side.
The Red Devils have already played six times since the restart, fielding an unchanged XI in their last four Premier League games. Such consistency with the team selection has coincided with not only positive results, but performances too.
No side has registered more points since the league resumed, averaging three goals per game along the way. Following such success, squad rotation tonight does seem unlikely, but the manager has alluded to such changes for the week ahead.
Speaking to the club’s official site, Solskjaer claimed: “There is a little bit of wear and tear when you play that many games but there are players there who come in and do well and want to play. So if we make one or two changes, I’m sure the ones who come in will have a point to prove.”
United’s game against Aston Villa was the first time since 2006 that the Red Devils fielded four consecutive unchanged XIs, with the manager being pleased with such performances. The team have looked much more settled and organised, with each player forming a thorough understanding of their roles on the field.
Embed from Getty ImagesReferring to such progression, the Norwegian also stated: ‘Then again, in these last four games they’ve been excellent in the league and we want to keep that performance going. But we also know that the players who haven’t been involved this season are more than capable.”
Such comments may seem a little contradictory, but we have grown to accept that Solskjaer gives very little away in his press conferences. There was a small hint towards squad rotation, but also the recognition of the team’s recent performances – so good, making changes at this stage of the season seems a tad premature.
As mentioned though, United’s fixture list for the week ahead is hectic. They travel to Crystal Palace on Thursday, before also facing Chelsea at Wembley in the FA Cup semi-finals. Two games in London will take its toll on the players, as they prepare for the final push to end the season.
For now though, all eyes are on tonight’s fixture: “We just want to concentrate on Southampton, then when that game is over we focus on Palace, then we focus on Chelsea, then West Ham, then Leicester. Of course the scheduling could have been better for us, but what’s the reason for thinking about that? I think our boys are ready for that challenge. They’ve worked really hard over lockdown and will be ready to put a shift in when needed” says Solskjaer.
There is a real sense of focus within United’s dressing room at present, and such a mindset will be key to finishing the campaign on a positive note. As we approach the final hurdle, a variety of players will be utilised to ensure such success is achieved.
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