Former Manchester United winger Nani has given an in-depth interview revealing what Ole Gunnar Solskjaer needs to succeed as the manager, as well as being saddened at the current state of the club.
The club faces a big summer after failing to qualify for the Champions League, having finished sixth in the Premier League, and Nani believes Solskjaer needs more world-class players if the Reds are to compete in the Premier League and Europe.
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While Solskjaer came in halfway through the season as caretaker manager to clean up the mess left behind after José Mourinho’s sacking, United still finished 32 points adrift of Premier League champions Manchester City.
The futures of Paul Pogba, Romelu Lukaku, Alexis Sanchez, David de Gea and Juan Mata are uncertain, so there will be several players that need replacing before the new season kicks-off.
With gossip columns in full flow that silly season has begun, United are being linked with a host of players: Matthjis de Ligt, Gareth Bale, Joao Felix, Declan Rice.
Nani knows what it takes to be a successful United player and was part of the last United side to win the Premier League in 2012-13.
The Orlando City star told Omnisport (h/t Goal) about being saddened by United’s recent struggles.
“United need more world-class players. Change something, attitude on the pitch.
“I remember from my time with Alex Ferguson, a lot of games we weren’t playing our best, we weren’t playing beautiful football but in 15 minutes we played with our hearts to score goals.
“We run, fight for each ball. That’s the way we get all the results. They must have more desire to win every battle on the pitch, every ball, every challenge because just like that they’re going to improve.”
Nani won a total of four Premier League titles during his time at United. It’s refreshing to hear from him speak about desire and what should be demanded of a United team.
This is exactly what some of the current players need to be reading because they’re not showing enough fight on the pitch from where I stand.
“It’s hard to do well when the past is still there,” the Portugal international added.
“All the big names and important people who made the club achieve so many trophies, they left.
“Now, most of them are still around but not doing what they were doing in the past like coaching or playing. Now., they need to build a new strong team, a new strong mentality. This takes time. This has been the problem at Manchester United at the moment.”
He continued: “I keep track. It makes me sad for the club, the players. It’s mot the moment of United. Maybe for next season, they can do much better.
“As a team, they are not a strong team. They must know that. Obviously, it’s still a young team too and maybe the club need to sign some top, experienced players to keep United among the best clubs in the world, with Barcelona, Real Madrid, Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool.
“Because at the moment, we can’t compete with them because they are stronger. But in one season, everything can change.”
