Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's decision to not hand new signing Raphael Varane the number four shirt has been branded "weak" by pundit and presenter Richard Keys in a scathing blog post.
It was reported last week that Manchester United centre-back Phil Jones allegedly refused to give up his number four squad number, despite being asked by four-time Champions League winner Varane.
The 28-year-old, who was unveiled to a capacity Old Trafford crowd on Saturday after completing a £43 million move, has instead taken the number 19 jersey.
The story certainly picked up plenty of traction on social media and the latest to have his say on the subject is Keys.
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In a blog post that mentioned United's performance against Leeds on Saturday, former Sky presenter Keys labelled Solskjaer's decision to not give Varane the number four shirt as "weak".
"It was so enjoyable to see United doing what they used to do best," he said. "Apart from one aberration when he allowed Ayling to walk off him and equalise - Pogba was terrific. His pass to Greenwood won’t be bettered this season.
"Just one other small issue - which might develop - if Varane wants to wear No 4 shirt, which we’re told he does, then he should be given the jersey," Keys added. "Solskjaer should’ve told Phil Jones ‘have you pick of any number over 30 Phil. You’re not in my plans. You won’t play. I want that number back’.
"Solskjaer was weak - and it’s that I’m referring to when I say it might develop. He’s got to be more ruthless."
Jones, who hasn't played a first-team game for 19 months, is set to return to action in the coming weeks - and Solskjaer has recently provided an update about his current situation.
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“He is due to start training over the weekend when we’ve got everyone in on Monday, which is a big plus for him,” Ole said at the end of last month,
“I've had similar troubles in my career. He’s such a professional, good lad, and it’s great to see him ready to train again and hopefully he can first of all train with us and then hopefully get game time soon.
“If he can play in the Under-23s to start with, or we can arrange something behind closed doors for him, because I know exactly the feeling [of] being out for so long. You just want to feel your way in.
“He’s always served the club, but it was time for him to look after himself and his own health, but now he’s ready to train with us.”
Thoughts on the Jones/Varane situation?
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Let us know in the comments.
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: Manchester United, Phil Jones, Raphael Varane, Premier League, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
