Solskjaer's Man Utd squad issues laid bare by Dan James

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 's lack of faith in his current Manchester United squad has been laid bare - after a stat highlighted that ex-winger Daniel James has still played more minutes this term than a host of current players.

James joined Leeds United at the end of August in a £25million deal.

But despite departing Old Trafford over three months ago, the Wales ace has still racked up more Premier League minutes than a string of United squad members.

The damning stat further highlights Solskjaer's reluctance to utilise certain members of his squad.

The Norwegian has come under fire on numerous occasions this term for some unusual personnel choices - with reports now emerging that the situation has seen certain members of the United squad become unhappy over recent weeks.

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Before making the switch to Leeds, James played 126 minutes across two league appearances for United this term. That's more than current squad members Diogo Dalot, Jesse Lingard, Eric Bailly, Alex Telles and Donny van de Beek.

Although United have a large squad, it's baffling that James has still played more than that quintet so long after his departure - and his minutes are actually greater than Bailly's, Telles' and van de Beek's combined.

The lack of trust that Solskjaer seems to have in some of his squad has been evident during their current abject run.

His reluctance to play Bailly saw him rush back Harry Maguire for the 4-2 defeat against Leicester last month. Maguire didn't look at all fit and was subjected to an awful afternoon against his old club. It was his calamitous error that gifted the Foxes their opening goal.

The case of van de Beek is perhaps the most baffling of all.

Despite costing United over £40m, Solskjaer is still yet to give the midfielder a real run in the team.

It's a situation which has seen van de Beek garner support from his team-mates in recent weeks - whilst United fans thunderous reaction to his late introduction in the 2-0 derby defeat to Manchester City at the weekend highlights that Solskjaer's stubbornness over the Dutchman is not winning him any fans.

It's a situation made even more baffling considering that none of United's midfielders have impressed at all this term.

Lingard is another squad member who has struggled for minutes, despite netting some vital goals in his fleeting cameo appearances.

Whether or not Solskjaer rightly or wrongly feels that the squad has a lack of depth, it's concerning that fringe players can't get a look in considering their recent run of toothless performances.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka turned in one of the worst performances of any player in a big game this season against City on Saturday.

But it would take a brave man to bet on Dalot replacing the £50m defender when United resume their Premier League campaign against Watford - even if the ex- Crystal Palace man has failed to resemble anything like a player worthy of that sum this term.

It's getting harder and harder to justify Solskjaer's stance when it comes to keeping faith in certain personnel.

And it seems as though the faith of United's squad in Solskjaer is waning as a result.