Solskjaer bemoans Premier League's decision against five substitutes

The absence of privilege of making extra substitutions in the ‘most demanding season of all’ disappoints Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

A new rule of allowing managers to make two extra substitutions, up to five in total, was introduced towards the conclusion of the last season in the Premier League.

The rule brought following the restart of football after a three-month coronavirus-induced hiatus was aimed at helping players avoid fatigue due to the intense and compact schedule of Project Restart.

However, the English top-flight voted against the continuation of the rule in the current campaign. Clubs have since reverted to having seven players on the bench and three allowed for replacement.

A number of managers have raised their voice against the discontinuation of the five-sub rule, with Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer becoming the latest one to do so.

Solskjaer told Sky Sports: “We have to think about the players. This season is the most demanding season of all.

“I can see the point why clubs voted against but if you take a step back and think about these professional footballers and their mental and physical health the only sensible solution would have been to give us the opportunity to rest a few more.

“We have already seen a lot of injuries in the Premier League. I would have liked to have five subs.”