Solskjaer sends warning to Man Utd under-performing stars

Greenwood has made a solid impression at Old Trafford in his young career. [Courtesy]

Manchester United's under-performing stars have been warned by boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer they are not undroppable.

Several United players have been below par in recent weeks, with striker Anthony Martial and midfielder Andreas Pereira being singled out by fans.

There is a clamour for striker Mason Greenwood, 18, to replace Martial, who has scored just once in six games, despite leading United's attack.

Against that backdrop, Solskjaer has warned his entire squad they are not immune to the chop – ahead of tonight's visit of Jose Mourinho's Spurs.

“Players are never undroppable,” said Solskjaer. “Players are also playing for their place in the long-term.

“We have a situation at the moment where we've had injuries, so players have played.

“But I've been part of a squad where you're never guaranteed a place in the team.

“That's where we're going to get to at this club as well.”

United have just 18 points from 14 games so far.

Anthony Martial was subbed during the draw with Villa after an unimpressive display. [Courtesy]

They need to win all three games to better the 26 points from 17 that Mourinho had landed, when he was sacked on December 18 last year.

But it's also true that United would have been fifth had they not conceded to Tyrone Mings on Sunday.

Solskjaer admits: “We've fallen behind a few times this year and we've turned it around. But we've been leading as well and given the lead away. “I felt the team towards the end of last season we didn't have the desire, didn't have the heart, didn't have the belief that this is going to turn around. This group has a different mentality.

“I believe in these players and that we can win any game on any given day.

“For me, when we get players back, when we've got the full squad fit, I'm sure we can challenge and move up the table.”