Everton vs Manchester United - Solskjaer has given United attacking options - Silva

Posted Friday, April 19, 2019 by PA

Everton boss Marco Silva believes Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has already made a major impact since replacing Jose Mourinho as manager of Manchester United.

Silva’s side go into Sunday’s Goodison Park clash smarting from their 2-0 defeat at relegated Fulham last weekend which threatens to end their season on a low note.

But Silva believes the trip to United will provide a timely challenge for his men – and a very different one to that posed by Jose Mourinho’s line-up which edged a 2-1 win at Goodison Park in October.

Silva said: “We have big respect for Manchester United, but if we can reach the level we have reached in our last three home games it will be really tough for them.

“They are different coaches and different formations, because with Solskjaer they are changing many times, and not just playing with one system or one formation.

“They have quality players and they can play with six or seven different players in the attack line. They have shown us why they have high quality, but I am 100 per cent sure we can make it tough for them.”

Silva will still be without Colombian defender Yerry Mina, who returned from international duty with a minor injury and will need another week before he resumes full training.

Morgan Schneiderlin is ready to return after an ankle injury, but Andre Gomes starts the first of a three-match suspension after accepting a charge of violent conduct arising from the defeat at Craven Cottage.

Solskjaer, meanwhile, believes some members of his squad need a “reality check” ahead of a potentially pivotal next few weeks for the club.

A 3-0 humbling at the hands of Barcelona in midweek saw United knocked out of the Champions League at the quarter-final stage, which meant they have now lost five of their past seven matches.

United face a battle to qualify for Europe’s elite club competition next season but while Solskjaer is satisfied with the attitude of the majority of his squad, he delivered a remarkable broadside at others.

Speaking ahead of this weekend’s Premier League visit to Everton on Sunday, the United manager said: “I’ve learned a lot about them over the months I’ve been here now.

“You get to know them, most of them have really impressed me in their attitude and there are some that need to get a reality check on where they’re at.

“When you’re out there, there is no hiding place, you can’t hide and everyone can see where your levels are at.

“We’re also working on training here with a fantastic staff I’ve got to create this culture that we want.

“You’ve got players to take ownership of what’s happening here as well. But of course it’s the performances on the pitch which will determine where they’re at in their careers. But most of them know they can improve if they keep working as they do.”

Solskjaer and his troops have no time to dwell on the Barcelona defeat with three crucial clashes in the space of eight days coming up, starting with their trip to Goodison Park.

The Manchester derby at Old Trafford on Wednesday is then followed by Chelsea’s visit on Sunday week in a run of fixtures that could go a long way towards defining United’s campaign.

Solskjaer, who revealed midfielder Ander Herrera is back in training, said: “You have to get on with it quickly, just accept we’re out of the Champions League. There is no shame in going out to Barcelona.

“We spoke about it after the game and said we want to be here again. To be back at these stadiums, we need to get among the top four.

“It’s a fantastic week to look forward to. The players are in a good state mentally and they’re strong mentally.”