Solskjaer responds to reports Ronaldo is trying to influence Man Utd tactics

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has denied rumours Cristiano Ronaldo is actively trying to alter Manchester United’s tactics and insists the forward has only had a positive impact since his summer return.

A report from ESPN suggests Ronaldo has asked Solskjaer to change United’s style to increase his goal ratio, with the five-time Ballon d’Or winner demanding sharper and quicker play when distributing the ball in the opposition half.

The talismanic 36-year-old is convinced his goals tally could have been higher since rejoining United from Juventus, despite an outstanding return of five goals in his opening five games.

Ronaldo’s latest strike, a last-gasp winner against Villarreal in the Champions League, got Solskjaer out of trouble during a particularly sticky period and the Norwegian only had good things to say about his superstar signing at a press conference on Friday.

Asked about the reports surrounding Ronaldo in the week, Solskjaer chuckled and told 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.’

Fourth-placed United welcome Everton to Old Trafford in Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off in the Premier League, a week on from their disappointing 1-0 defeat at home to Aston Villa.

Solskjaer hopes Ronaldo continues his goalscoring form into the match, with the Toffees behind his team only on goal difference.

‘He has had a great impact on and off the pitch,’ the United head coach 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.’

Harry Maguire and Amad Diallo will miss United’s clash with Everton due to injury and Luke Shaw remains a doubt as he looks to work his way back 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 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.’

Solskjaer has been left unimpressed by United’s draining schedule, with his players forced to face Everton just two-and-half-days after their Champions League victory over Villarreal.

‘There’s no explanation. It is TV?’ he fumed.

‘No common sense at all, we had same scenario last year when we played in Turkey and then Everton.

‘We have to make it happen. It is not like we did it last year so it is going to happen again.

‘Us and Chelsea played Wednesday and Liverpool vs Chelsea should have been the Saturday one. Common sense isn’t so common.’

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