Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has denied reports Cristiano Ronaldo is trying to alter Manchester United’s tactics and says the player has only had a positive impact since his return to the club.
According to ESPN, Ronaldo has asked Solskjaer to change United’s style to improve his goal ratio, with the player demanding sharper and quicker play when distributing the ball to the forwards.
The 36-year-old is convinced his goals tally could have been better since rejoining United from Juventus, despite a superb return of five goals in his opening five matches.
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Ronaldo’s latest goal, a late winner against Villarreal in the Champions League, got Solskjaer out of trouble during a sticky period and the Norwegian coach only had good things to say about the player at a press conference on Friday.
Asked about the reports surrounding Ronaldo this week, Solskjaer chuckled and gave his reply to reporters: ‘That is another one. Wow, what can you answer to that?
‘What we speak about us that is between us, but we haven’t had that discussion, put it that way.’
The Red devils welcome Everton to Old Trafford in Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off, a week after their disappointing 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa.
However, Solskjaer hopes Ronaldo continues his goalscoring form into the game, with the Toffees behind his team only on goal difference.
‘He has had a great impact on and off the pitch,’ the United manager added. ‘Five goals in five games at his age says everything. You’ve got to manage him, he’s a very good example for everyone. Long may it continue.’
Meanwhile, Harry Maguire and Amad Diallo will miss the game with Everton due to injury and Luke Shaw remains a doubt as he looks to return to full fitness following an illness.
‘Luke feels better in himself. He’s been ill, but he has still got the shoulder injury so we’ve got to make a decision on him,’ Solskjaer explained.
‘Marcus [Rashford] trained for first time fully today with contact and there was a few tackles flying in on him and he seems okay which was nice to see. ‘Apart from that, Harry and Amad are still out. We didn’t lose anyone on Wednesday.’
