Solskjaer wants to see the best from Manchester United's Lukaku and Sanchez

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has challenged Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez to up their game as the out-of-sorts stars close in on a Manchester United return.

The post-Jose Mourinho era has got off to a superb start under the Norwegian, with the mauling of Cardiff followed by a comprehensive win against Huddersfield on Boxing Day.

Paul Pogba has shone under new management, with the previously marginalised midfielder stepping up to the plate and showing just why United forked out a then world-record fee to bring him back in 2016.

Now Solskjaer has challenged floundering Lukaku and Sanchez to follow the World Cup winner's example, even if the caretaker manager dismissed the suggestion that the Frenchman's improved performances were down to him.

"I think you put it the wrong way, because I cannot do anything for their performances on the pitch," Solskjaer said. "Paul has done it himself, the players have done the performances.

"My chats with Anthony (Martial), Romelu, Alexis, whoever...(they have) not felt that they cannot produce their best of football.

"I'm here to guide them, help them on the path and then it's up to them to do it on the pitch.

"I don't agree that I have done that with Paul and I can do that with Romelu and Alexis.

"It's up to them when they get a chance, that's the name of the game when you are a footballer. You've got to do it yourself...you want help from your team-mates and your manager.

"I give them some guidelines, of course, there has been loads of talk about the expression, freedom of expression, but that's how I've always been as a manager.

"You can't tell all the players what to do in that position, they are here for a reason.

"They are good players and it's up to them to use their imagination, their creativity and just enjoy playing for this club because that is the best time of your life.

"But it's not bad a bad time being a manager either for a little while either!"