LOMAS: OLE HAS DONE A WONDERFUL JOB

Former West Ham United midfielder Steve Lomas has praised Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for the rebuilding job he’s initiated at Manchester United.

The Northern Irishman, who turned out for Wednesday’s opponents between 1997 and 2005, believes the Norwegian’s recruitment has been both effective and sensible.

Harry Maguire, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Daniel James and Bruno Fernandes have all made a big impression after moving to the club on a permanent basis under Solskjaer’s stewardship, with Odion Ighalo being signed on loan until January 2021.

But Lomas is particularly impressed by how the Reds’ additions haven’t prevented 'superstar' prospects like Mason Greenwood from getting their opportunity in the first-team.

“I think Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has done a wonderful job with the players he has brought to the football club,” Lomas told United Review.

“Importantly too, he hasn’t bought players if it’s going to deny a talented young player’s path to progress at Manchester United.

“Why would you go and sign another forward for example when you’ve got a player like Mason Greenwood coming through the ranks? The boy looks like he’s going to be a superstar.”

The Hammers travel to Manchester with their Premier League status all-but secure, but the match is another important one for United’s hopes of finishing in the top four and qualifying for next season’s Champions League.

The Reds will overtake Leicester City with a win or a draw at Old Trafford and with a crunch encounter with the Foxes on the horizon for Sunday, Lomas believes Solskjaer’s side has what it takes to get the job done – and perhaps cap off a promising 2020 with a trophy next month.

“Since the restart, Leicester have been poor and Chelsea have been in mixed form.

“Manchester United have been incredible and have benefited from having a settled starting XI.

“I really think Manchester United will end up in a top-four position in the Premier League and they have a really good chance of winning the Europa League in August, too.”