Solskjaer explains what Manchester United have learnt ahead of restart

The Premier League could resume in June and the Bundesliga is already back underway.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has admitted that Manchester United's coaches and players have been following the restart of the Bundesliga intently over the past week or two.

German football has led the way in Europe in terms of returning to action, albeit behind closed doors, after leagues across the continent were suspended in March due to the coronavirus pandemic. Premier League clubs are currently locked in discussions about how to follow suit, with United now back in training ahead of a proposed June restart.

And Solskjaer told United's official website that he's gleaning a lot from the Bundesliga games, as well as dissecting his side's own performances from earlier in the season. He believes football can happen behind closed doors in England, as it has in Germany.

“We’ve been watching what’s been happening in Germany,” said the United boss.

“For us to follow their template, it’s important they can show everyone the way. It’s been great watching some live football, not just the old classics. We’ve been spending hours analysing our own games. 

"There’s no doubt that football is a bit different with no fans. There’s that extra edge with the fans that you’re not going to replicate. Football is for the fans but we want to play football and fans can watch on telly at least, if we can get to the next stage. Hopefully we can.”

United will have watched Jadon Sancho's performances for Borussia Dortmund with particular interest, as the winger is among their top transfer targets for the summer.

With the window likely to be pushed back and games to be played at Old Trafford behind closed doors, Solskjaer admitted it has been a strange feeling over the past week or two. He wants his players to create their own atmosphere when they get back onto the pitch.

“It’s going to be difficult,” added Solskjaer. “But we played against LASK just before lockdown and they played fantastically well. That must play in the boys’ head. We’re capable of playing without an atmosphere.

"You’ve got to create it yourself as well, within the team."