Ole Gunnar Solskjaer challenges Alexis Sanchez, Romelu Lukaku and Anthony Martial to resurrect their Manchester United careers

The interim United manager believes the misfiring trio should take inspiration from Paul Pogba’s revival following Jose Mourinho’s sacking

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer believes Romelu Lukaku, Anthony Martial and Alexis Sanchez need to follow the example of Paul Pogba and take responsibility for turning around their Manchester United careers.

The high-profile attacking trio were branded - along with Pogba - as the main under-achievers of the Jose Mourinho reign that ended before Christmas when he was sacked and replaced by the Norwegian interim.

Pogba’s response has certainly been spectacular, with key roles in the 5-1 victory at Cardiff and 3-1 win over Huddersfield that have kick-started United’s season.

And, while Solskjaer has met with players individually to talk about their roles in his new regime, the former United striker believes the responsibility to respond and justify their large fees and salaries lies with the players themselves.

“I cannot do anything for their performances on the pitch,” said Solskjaer. “Paul has done it himself.

“My chats with Anthony, Rom, Alexis - I'm here to give them on the path and it's up to them to do it on the pitch.

“It's up to them when they get a chance that's the name of the game as a footballer, you've got to do it yourself.

“I gave some guidelines of course, on expression, freedom of expression, but that's how I've always been as a manager you can't tell the players what to do in this position - just enjoy playing for this club, that's the best time of your life. But it's not a bad time to be manager for a while.”

Lukaku has missed the first two games of Solskjaer’s charge, having been given “compassionate leave” by the cub, as has Sanchez, who has been sidelined since late November with a hamstring injury.

Martial, meanwhile, scored in the Cardiff win but was ill for the visit of Huddersfield to Old Trafford on Boxing Day.

And Solskjaer clearly wants them to follow the example of Pogba, a player whom the interim manager believes the club should build their future around.

Sanchez has not played since November due to injury (Reuters)

“I think Paul's a top, top player,” he said. “He's one of the top, top players in the world.

"Attacking wise, he's done really well but he's a big lad, can win headers, tackles. He’s been the same as the others.

“The attitude has been perfect and that's key, you should be tired towards the end of every single game. He's been top class and we're looking to build a team around him, of course, but there are so many quality players.”

Solskjaer also gave 18-year-old forward Angel Gomes an outing as a late sub against Huddersfield and has repeated his vow to use youngsters in his spell in charge at Old Trafford.

Midfielder Jimmy Garner, who travelled to Cardiff last week, and forward Mason Greenwood - both 17 - are also high in the manager’s thoughts.

Pogba has been United's best player since Solskjaer took charge (Reuters) (Action Images via Reuters)

“As Sir Matt (Busby) once said, if they're old enough they’re good enough,” said Solskjaer.

“We're built on that tradition, we need young players coming through, it's important in the academy.

“I am looking to bring players through, we have top talents in the under-18’s knocking on the door now. We've had a couple of injuries and fatigue has been involved and they’re ready to step up.”

Solskjaer wants his players to improve themselves (Reuters) (Action Images via Reuters)

United face another home game, with Bournemouth, on Sunday with Solskjaer waiting to check on the fitness of Martial, Lukaku and Sanchez before deciding whether they will play a part.

Marcos Rojo and Scott McTominay are also closing in on a first team return but Chris Smalling has been ruled out until mid-January with a broken bone in his foot.