Manchester United must not waste incredible early form under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, says Chris Smalling

Manchester United must not waste incredible early form under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, says Chris Smalling
Manchester United defender Chris Smalling is determined to make sure the clubs incredible form under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer doesnt go to waste.Jose Mourinho suggested it would take a miracle for the club to qualify for next season’s Champions League, but Solskjaer has moved them to within two points of fourth-place Arsenal.3

Solskjaer’s excellent start is now beginning to fade.

Eleven wins from 15 games in the league, alongside that sensational Champions League triumph over Paris Saint-Germain, have seen the Norwegian given the job on a permanent basis but now the honeymoon is over.The Red Devils top-four hopes were handed a huge blow by Wolves on Tuesday, and questions have been raised about the timing of Solskjaers appointment following Uniteds momentary dip in form.3

United were beaten 2-1 by Wolves on Tuesday

Suddenly, finishing outside the top four would feel like failure, but Smalling is keen to highlight the size of the task that was facing them when Solskjaer took charge.Before Ole took over, it [finishing in the top four] was something we wanted, but it was so far off, he told talkSPORT.The fact that weve worked so hard over these months and to be within touching distance now is where the real hard work starts and where the real pressure is. Ultimately those first few months, we were so far off that we had nothing to lose. Whereas now, weve really climbed that table and closed that points gap, so we just need to carry it on and make sure that these last few months werent wasted.Not just this season, in previous seasons, we go through different blips and certain people can write off Man United.But weve shown that togetherness and that fighting spirit, especially since Oles come in. I think were ready to go for the last few weeks of the season to make sure this second-half of the season was a success and its not just a good middle.3

Solskjaer turned United’s fortunes around this season

And the 29-year-old, who has established himself as the first-choice centre-back under Solskjaer, has absolutely no doubts about his new managers appointment.If you look at our results since he came in, wed probably be at the top of the table. Hes quite rightly got that job and a lot of us wanted him to get the job, Smalling added.Now its just a case of working together and building on what hes done already.

---

Barcelona captain Lionel Messi will likely be 100% fit to play Manchester United in the Champions League next month after an injury scare. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner picked up a groin
Manchester United vs Barcelona: Expected Starting XI for UCL

---

Lucas Torreira compared to Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira

---

The conversation has lingered on an insistence on wearing the No14 shirt both with Monaco and, since August, at Chelsea, with the justification taking him back to the crammed corner of Paris spanning Montparnasse, just inside the southern stretch of the Péripherique ring-road, which made him the man he is today. Related: Chelsea handed major
The Times & The Sunday Times

---

German Midfielder aims at Jessie Lingard after Arsenal defeated the Red Devils 2-0. The Arsenal midfielder couldn't help but poke fun at the Manchester United forward on Sunday evening. Mesut Ozil poked fun at Jesse Lingard following Arsenal's 2-0 win over Manchester United on Sunday and Gunners fans loved it.
Jesse Lingard transfer news | English Premier League Jesse

---

A faster way to search the web. Toggle navigation. Share:
Profile of Barcelona Soccer Player Lionel Messi

---

Arsenal reportedly want Reece Oxford in a January deal, although the Gunners are looking to lower West Ham United's £3 million asking price. Transfer News: Arsenal keen on landing Reece
West Ham Outcast Reece Oxford Holding Out for 'Dream' Summer

---

Jamie Carragher admits he would love to see Matthijs De Ligt make Liverpool transfer. De Ligt is one of the most highly-rated young centre-backs in world football and Carragher would love to see
Jamie Carragher won't apologise for celebrating Liverpool's

---

England scouts have been watching Declan Rice in action for West Ham - and they are impressed with what they have seen. According to The Daily Mail, England are growing increasingly interested in Rice and hope he chooses to play for them. Rice is currently stuck in the middle of a dilemma regarding his international allegiance.
Declan Rice: West Ham midfielder declares for England over

---

There's a huge difference Van Persie has had three great years at Feyenoord, winning the UEFA Cup. Van Nistelrooij had three brilliant years at PSV. Winning 4 prizes or something. Well, prizes don't really matter here but they had proven themselves in a few consecutive years. Whereas Janssen has only played in the Eredivisie for one year.
Tottenham's incredible numbers, Sunderland finally score and

---

Tottenham's Lucas Moura plays football with son on new

---

Gelson Martins (Monaco) Arsenal are reportedly weighing up a summer move for Gelson Martins.. The 23-year-old forward is currently on loan at Ligue 1 side Monaco from Atletico Madrid. He has three
Arsenal news live: Real Madrid 'ready' to accept Arsenal bid

---

Tottenham vs Liverpool: Georginio Wijnaldum reveals lasting friendship with Champions League final opponent Moussa Sissoko The pair were relegated together at Newcastle - but now they face off
Tottenham vs Liverpool: Georginio Wijnaldum reveals lasting

---

Real Madrid have completed the signing of Eintracht Frankfurt forward Luka Jovic on six-year contract. The young Serb said his dream has come true after leaving Eintracht Frankfurt for Spanish giants Real Madrid.
Real Madrid confirm £58m Luka Jovic transfer as Serbian

---

Cardiff City manager Neil Warnock and chief executive Ken Choo will attend Emiliano Sala's funeral in Argentina on Saturday. The 28-year-old striker was killed when the private plane carrying him
Cardiff manager Neil Warnock will attend Emiliano Sala's

---