‘Sad’ Alexis Sanchez stars in Man Utd training session to get Solskjaer excited
Chilean has been out of action since late November with a hamstring problem but is working his way back to full fitness
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OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER is relishing the chance to have Alexis Sanchez available for selection after he impressed in training.
The Chilean forward, 30, has been out of action since the end of November with a hamstring problem meaning he is yet to play under the interim Manchester United boss.
He is back in first-team training again now and Solskjaer is delighted by what he is seeing.
Sanchez has endured a poor first year at Old Trafford since his move a year ago but could be back in the squad to face Newcastle tomorrow night.
The Norwegian said: "He's looking forward to it. It certainly looked like it in Saturday's session. He scored quite a few nice goals, so that was encouraging.
"He's had some great sessions the last few days. He wanted to be with us for Bournemouth but we have to manage him. He's been out for a month, but he'll be involved.
"He wants to play all the time, he's one of those characters. It was a few days too early for him. He's not had enough fitness or whatever, but he's champing at the bit."
In his three games in charge - the victories over Cardiff, Huddersfield and Bournemouth - Solskjaer has chosen Marcus Rashford to lead the line.
Jesse Lingard has played on one wing while Anthony Martial and Juan Mata have been deployed on the other as Paul Pogba joins in the attack from midfield.
Solskjaer appears happy to mix things up and rotate so Sanchez is bound to get his chance to shine in the coming days.
The temporary Manchester United manager added: "I think he's player that would benefit from the interchanging, the rotation, the movement.
"The more chances you create, the more times you get the ball into the final third, he'll be an asset for us."
The atmosphere around Sanchez has improved even over the last few days.
Speaking last week, the Chilean's international team-mate Mauricio Isla described Sanchez as "sad".
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RED BULL SALZBURG'S Marco Rose is the shock name on Manchester United's managerial shortlist in case Mauricio Pochettino rejects them.
The list also includes Zinedine Zidane, Laurent Blanc and interim coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Although Pochettino remains first choice of executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward, United are putting together a list of alternatives in case the Spurs boss turns them down.
Rose, 42, is admired within the United boardroom after leading Red Bull Salzburg to the Austrian title in his first season.
The club also made it to the semi-final of last season’s Europa League after beating Real Sociedad, Borussia Dortmund and Lazio in the knockout rounds.
Salzburg were eventually beaten by Marseille in the semi-final, but their run to the last four established Rose’s reputation in European football.
He said: "He’s sad, but I know he’s going to reverse his situation.
"He is someone who wants to succeed at Manchester United. It’s something he went there for.
"There is a reason why he is the best paid player and he will prove it this coming year."
It is fair to say Manchester United fans have been left underwhelmed by Sanchez's performances since he signed his £505,000-a-week contract at Old Trafford, scoring just three Premier League goals.