Solskjaer rules out Ibrahimovic return

“Zlatan had a great time here, he’s still doing well and it was unfortunate he got his injury here.”

Solskjaer claimed he is letting Chris Smalling join Roma on loan because he would not play regular football under him this season.

And the Norwegian said Matteo Darmian is likely to follow him back to Italy.

On Smalling, Solskjaer said: “It just came up in the last couple of days and it’s just an opportunity for Chris.

“We sat down and discussed it and at the moment we have six centre-backs and I couldn’t promise Chris regular football.

“He’s on the plane over now and he will enjoy the experience over there.

“Not many English players have the chance to play in Italy and I’m sure he will come back stronger and better for it.”

Full-back Darmian is not part of Solskjaer’s plans and the Norwegian is attracting interest from clubs in his homeland.

“I can see maybe Matteo,” he said. “There’s been some interest in Italy.

“Marcos is staying definitely. We’re a squad now that is less in numbers, but still big enough and strong enough to have cover in all positions.”

Solskjaer claims Sanchez will benefit from his loan move to Inter Milan because he would not have figured much at United.

“Alexis needed to go,” he said. “He’s been here for 18 months and it’s not really worked out for him.

“For him to restart and get himself playing regularly and scoring goals, that will only benefit everyone in the end.”