Solskjaer – It’ll be difficult, but we can still win the title

Manchester united reserve team manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has attempted to lift the doom and gloom surrounding Old Trafford by insisting they can still pip Chelsea and Arsenal to the league title.

Solskjaer admits that it will be hard from this position, but thinks this weekend’s derby against City is a great opportunity for the squad to show what they’re made of.

“We cannot afford for it all to be doom and gloom. We are still in with a shout,” says the Norwegian who is now United’s reserve team manager.

“A derby match against City is the perfect platform for the boys to bounce back. Playing your local rivals is not a time for feeling sorry for yourselves and I don’t think we will be.

“There is no doubt Chelsea are in the box seat but you have to be in there in case of slip ups.

“I can only recall one title race we won in 2001 when it was all very comfortable. The tradition is to make it hard for ourselves but while you are fighting it is not cut and dried.”

Solskjaer went on to bemoan the injuries that have proven so costly this season, and drew comparisons with the treble winning team of 1999.

“Of course the quality is there,” he told M.E.N. Sport.

“The problem has been injuries. I don’t want to make excuses but it has hit us hard in recent months up front.

“The great thing about 1999 was that apart from Teddy Sheringham suffering a few injuries in that season, the manager had myself, Dwight and Andy to call on for virtually the full campaign. It makes a difference.”

It isn’t just the senior squad that has been ravaged by injuries this term. Ole’s reserves have suffered greatly with Federico Macheda being out for four months and Mame Biram Diouf also missing with a groin injury. Danny Welbeck has also returned to United after suffering a knee injury during his loan spell at Preston.

“It has been disappointing they’ve all had their injury problems,” says Ole. “But they are young and exciting and they have got the chance of a lifetime here at United.

“They have got an opportunity to play for Manchester United for many years to come. I wish I was still in that situation.

“If I was I’d be out working long afternoons and practising my heading and shooting. They are all developing talents.

“To steal a march they have to work hard and they will. Diouf has pace, Macheda is quick, powerful and the most natural finisher and Welbeck is an all-round striker.

“It has been disappointing that their progress has been hampered by injury but, hopefully, next season they will be fit and ready to prove they should be the one challenging.”

Solskjaer also commented on the unknown Javier Hernandez, who sir Alex has agreed to sign on July 1st.

“I have never seen him live but the TV clips are impressive,” Ole added. “I always think it is very exciting when the club buys someone nobody has really heard of. I am looking forward to seeing him.”

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