Solskjaer orders extra training for Man Utd duo disappointing in key area

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been holding Nemanja Matic and Aaron Wan-Bissaka back for extra training sessions, according to a report.

Manchester United announced earlier this week that training at Carrington had been cancelled on government advice due to the outbreak of coronavirus, making them one of the last Premier League clubs to suspend group training.

Before that decision was taken, Solskjaer was demanding something extra from two high-profile players, with The Athletic revealing that Matic and Wan-Bissaka had been asked to stay behind for extra 30-minute sessions.

It is claimed that the duo had been tasked with improving their qualities in attack, with full-back Wan-Bissaka and defensive midfielder Matic not normally known for their proficiency in the final third.

However, United still showed enough faith in Matic to trigger the one-year extension option in his contract, with a view to giving him a longer-term deal further down the line.

Taking on board Solskjaer’s new demands may help him find the form he needs to convince the club to give him more secure terms, with the coach keen to get him more integrated with the attackers ahead of him.

Solskjaer placed Matic on a programme of specific drills to improve his link-up play and off-the-ball movement going forwards, which could be crucial to his improvement, given that he has only recorded two Premier League assists in his three seasons with United.

Teammate Wan-Bissaka was also held back for extra work, as Solskjaer looked for him to improve his crossing ability and decision making.

The £50m signing is widely praised for his defensive work, but has thus far not matched that in attack, providing just two assists in all competitions this season.

United’s players are now following individual fitness plans as they train from home while Carrington is closed, but Solskjaer will be hoping the advice his staff have imparted on the duo will not be forgotten when they return to action.

The Red Devils may not be back in group training for some time yet, with the FA announcing on Thursday that professional football in England will be suspended until at least the end of April.