Ole backs his squad to deliver after the break

Sunday 03 October 2021 22:30

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has unshakeable faith in his Manchester United squad and backroom team to storm back after the international break and repair a patchy start to the Premier League's autumn period.

The Reds were held 1-1 by Everton at Old Trafford on Saturday, ahead of the two-week pause for national matches involving many members of Solskjaer's first-team pool.

The draw against the Toffees, in which Anthony Martial scored only for Everton’s Andros Townsend to equalise for the visitors, was United’s only league point from the last two matches since our last win against West Ham on 19 September. The Reds had previously lost at home to Aston Villa before Rafa Benitez's Merseysiders visited M16.

Anthony Martial blasts United into a first-half lead against Everton

Dropping five points from the last six available has naturally been disappointing, but the boss is steadfast in his backing for his charges.

Asked if he could get the best out of his squad, Solskjaer was firm in his response.

“I am very confident we will get the best out of this squad,” he told a post-match press conference on Saturday.

“A lot has happened this month and we have had Rafael (Varane), Cristiano (Ronaldo) and Jadon (Sancho) with us from August, well Cristiano only from September, so we have loads to work on and we need to improve.

“We know that, I know that, but I do believe in this group of players and the coaching staff that I have got.

“So, yes, is the short answer.”

Cristiano Ronaldo was one of four senior arrivals at Old Trafford over the summer.

When United's players all meet up again after the international break, we face a blockbusting 22 days with Premier League matches away at Leicester City and Spurs and heavyweight Old Trafford matches against rivals Liverpool and neighbours Manchester City.

There is also a home-and-away double header in the Champions League against Italian Serie A side Atalanta thrown into the mix as well.

“Every game is a big game at Man United. It is a big month and the last month has been a big one with lots of changes happening at the club,” Solskjaer said.

“We have to be focused and make sure we use the international break well. Us as coaches and those players who are staying at home.

“Those who are going on internationals come back with energy again and a clear focus and good mind set. Hopefully they will do well. The mind set is good, the players are hungry to improve.

90 in 20: United 1 Everton 1 Video

90 in 20: United 1 Everton 1

Watch the extended highlights of Saturday's stalemate in the Manchester rain...

“You know I believe in these players, I believe in the coaching staff. I believe that we have something going.

“But the proof of the pudding is in the results and you need to turn up. We can’t just say we did well against City and Tottenham last year. We need to do it again.

“We need to do it during the 90 minutes, whoever plays, and that is the challenge because every game in the Premier League and the Champions League is a big game against a good team.

“And as we know every game against Manchester United is a potential banana skin for us because we are expected to win every one.”

Recommended: