Ole's positive mindset will overcome injury problems
Friday is usually press conference day in the world of Manchester United, but there will be no manager's media briefing today as the international break nears its halfway point.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer may welcome a week away from the cameras, microphones and reporters at the Aon Training Complex, particularly as the questions he might have faced today would have focused on the injury problems that several members of the first-team squad have picked up this week.
In case you’re not up to date, it was confirmed last Sunday evening that Anthony Martial had withdrawn from France duty. On Monday, Luke Shaw pulled out of the England squad and two days later it was revealed that Nemanja Matic would not feature in either of Serbia’s matches.
A fourth injury problem was unfortunately reported on Thursday, when England manager Gareth Southgate declared Marcus Rashford would return to United after being deemed unfit for action.
Scott McTominay is also suffering with a stomach bug, which is why he was seen sprinting to the changing room after making a substitute appearance for Scotland against Kazakhstan last night.
Still carrying my injury from last week so will be supporting the boys from home, come on @England ⚽🛋 #ThreeLions
— Marcus Rashford (@MarcusRashford) March 21, 2019
POSITIVE MENTAL ATTITUDE
As Ole has shown so magnificently since taking over as caretaker manager, it is important to remain upbeat and tackle all problems with a positive attitude.
What’s the point in moaning? Just get your head down, work hard and enjoy the challenge at hand.
That mantra has been repeatedly conveyed by Solskjaer and, speaking before the current international break, he offered this clear instruction to his players:
“Whatever you are doing, come back with a big smile and be ready!”
That is certainly what the popular club legend will do, with our return to Premier League action against Watford at Old Trafford next Saturday in mind.
REST AND RECHARGE
While the break has not been kind to us so far, it’s vital to remember this two-week period is also providing lots of players with an invaluable rest, allowing them to recharge the batteries before the hectic season finale.
Regular defensive starters Ashley Young, Victor Lindelof and Chris Smalling are among that group, as well as combative midfielders Ander Herrera, Andreas Pereira and Fred.
In the forward positions, Juan Mata has taken some time out to recharge and Jesse Lingard, who did not report for England duty, is working hard on his fitness.
This time next week, when Solskjaer sits down in front of the media at the Aon Training Complex, he could be delivering good news on the fitness of his squad.
Make no mistake, Ole will have a positive outlook – and so should we.
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