OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER understands why Mauricio Pochettino has been linked with Manchester United as he praised the highly-rated Tottenham manager.
Pochettino is reportedly at the top of United’s list to permanently replace Jose Mourinho at the end of the season after the Portuguese was sacked in December.
Solskjaer was appointed on a caretaker basis until the end of the campaign amid United’s search for a long-term successor but the club favourite has thrown himself into the mix with five successive victories.
With United set to face Tottenham in a Premier League blockbuster at Wembley on Sunday, Solskjaer acknowledged speculation linking Pochettino to Old Trafford.
“He’s done a very good job,” the 45-year-old told reporters. “The speculation is there for a reason because he’s done well.
“But it’s not my job to rate different managers. My focus is on me and my team.”
United have not missed a beat since Solskjaer arrived last month, the Red Devils outclassing Cardiff City, Huddersfield Town, Newcastle United and Bournemouth to move within three points of fifth-placed Arsenal.
The Red Devils also defeated Reading in the third round of the FA Cup last week.
United will come up against a Tottenham side fighting for the title in third position and boasting star England striker Harry Kane.
Kane has amassed 14 Premier League goals this season – level with Arsenal’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang at the top of the division’s scoring charts – while he has found the back of the net in each of the past six games across all competitions.
“He’s not bad, is he? Solskjaer said. “He’s a fantastic goalscorer. One of the best in the world to play up there
“Then again, I’ve got a couple as well who I’m happy to work with. He’s also a top, top professional. I’m sure whoever plays with him and trains with him can talk more about him.
“But from the outside he’s a fantastic finisher. He never misses chances really so let’s make sure he doesn’t get any against us.”
Ahead of a huge weekend of Heineken Champions Cup action, Murray Kinsella, Andy Dunne and Gavan Casey assess the provinces’ chances of putting a foot in the last eight:
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He should be rediscovering his form & fitness with Munster not with the national team. Shouldn’t be a separate rule for him no matter how good he is at his best. Just lowers squad standards….
@ℝ: Who should be in the squad ahead of him, do you think? Marmion is barely back from injury and McGrath is still out for a few more weeks.
@Conor Matthews: Cooney and Blade, the two form Irish scrumhalves by a country mile… and especially for the Italy game. The pace the pair play is perfect for an ireland game to run Italy ragged, and test their fringe defences as unlike Murray both delight at sniping runs at defences. Cooney may be light on Caps but he has loads of experience having played for three provinces and excelled at all…
Yep, no sympathy for Murray or Sexton, thats 2 games they havent performed. Get in the queue and earn your places again boys. And this is why Joe should be rotating the squad more often. Like it was mentioned above, get your game time at the provinces…..and then bring that game to the national team, if youre good enough. Class is permanent, Joe says, yeah but who puts BOD (no disrespect meant) in at 13 these days. Form…form…form
@Trev: sexton was poor v England but he was running the game v Scotland until he got injured. We’d have won by 30 if he’d have stayed on.
@Chris Mc: complete tosh. Apart from the assist to stockdale sexton was bang average. Kicking out of hand was poor and his kick from the tee was embarrassing. He wasn’t as poor as Murray but don’t kid yourself if you think he’s in any better form. Last decent shift sexton put in was against NZ for club and country.
@Chris Mc: yes he got injured, is that your or my fault? No. As the saying goes……youre only as good as your last game. He’s had 2 now, & so has Murray. There is plenty of class waiting in the wings (but thats another discussion)…
Just re-read the headline, that is just pish! Either he can play at the highest level or…he cant. Simple until he gets back up there. But do not waste international minutes on him on the off-chance that he is going to take another 10 or so games to rediscover his form. Same with Sexton….Joe its time to start cracking the whip!!!
@Trev: I think Joe Schmidt will start Sexton and Murray.I also think he should
I’d really like to see the other players get a chance to prove their worth under pressure. What is going to happen in the RWC if a key member gets injured? The tournament is beyond Ireland realistically, so give Carbery etc starting roles. We don’t want a repeat of player burnout before the finals stages
Murray’s been way off it the last number of games ever since Exeter visited Limerick. Hope he rediscovers but can’t be at the expense of Ireland.