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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer fires warning to Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez ahead of Bournemouth clash

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Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez have returned to training (Picture: Getty)

Manchester United caretaker boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has challenged Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez to step up in the remainder of the campaign.

The pair are yet to feature under the Norwegian but will train with the first team today as United prepare to host Bournemouth in their final fixture of 2018.

Lukaku has missed the last two games after being granted compassionate leave, while Sanchez has spent the last month on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.

Sanchez has just three league goals since joining the Red Devils and Solskjaer says theres only so much he can do to get the duo firing again.

Solskjaer wants his attacking players to step up (Picture: Getty)

I cannot do anything for their performances on the pitch, Paul has done it, my chats with Anthony, Rom, Alexis, Im here to give them on the path and its up to them to do it on the pitch, said Solskjaer.

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I dont agree that Ive done that with Paul. Its up to them when they get a chance thats the name of the game as a footballer, youve got to do it yourself, I gave some guidelines of course on expression, freedom of expression but thats how Ive always been as a manager you cant tell what the players to do in this position.

They are here for a reason its up to them to use their imagination and creativity just enjoy playing for this club, thats the best time of your life, but its not a bad time to be manager for a while.

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United have scored eight times in Solskjaers two games so far and appear far more fluid in attack.

The Red Devils new approach is likely to appeal to Sanchez and Lukaku but Solskjaer says its difficult to fit all his attacking players in.

I cannot tell you, said Solskjaer, when asked about the pairs struggles.

Ive just been looking at the team, so many good players and when you get these confident looking forward to games we have a confident squad, it is we back then, its part of me.

But its a different thing when youre fan on the outside, its very easy to see he should be playing, suddenly you end up with six forwards, six centre backs, my thing now is how Romelu, Alexis, Anthony, Jesse, Marcus, Juan, six forwards, will you play with more than four at a time? Im not sure? The rotation and communication between players is important.

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