Frank Lampard’s view on the Chelsea v Man Utd youth comparison made by Solskjaer

Frank Lampard has dismissed claims made by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer that Chelsea’s youngsters are better prepared for first-team action than Manchester United’s because of the club’s loan policy.

The Blues currently have 26 players out on loan while first-team regulars Tammy Abraham, Fikayo Tomori, Mason Mount and Kurt Zouma have all benefitted from temporary stints away from west London.

What did Solskjaer say about Chelsea? Five things to know… 

• Solskjaer has suggested Chelsea youngsters are more experienced than Man Utd youngsters due to the club’s loan policy.
• He believes Lampard is in a better position than him to blood in and nurture young talent.
• Chelsea currently have 26 players out on loan, while a number of current first-team regulars have enjoyed time away from the club.
• Lampard has since pointed out the likes of Tuanzebe and James have experience of Championship football.
• Chelsea face Man Utd in the Carabao Cup fourth-round at Stamford Bridge.

Ahead of Man Utd’s Carabao Cup fourth-round clash with Chelsea on Wednesday, Solskjaer suggested Lampard has the luxury of throwing better-prepared academy products into the ring due to various loan spells, while youngsters at Old Trafford haven’t been afforded such experience themselves.

“Chelsea are a very exciting team,” he said.

“Frank has got players that have been on loan for one or two seasons in the Championship.

“The difference between [them and] my youngsters is that they [Chelsea’s youngsters] are almost stepping right now onto the scene.”

However, Lampard was quick to point out that a number of Man Utd’s up-and-coming stars have actually accumulated a wealth of experience away from Old Trafford during their formative years, highlighting the likes of Axel Tuanzebe and Dan James.

“I don’t know, you go case-by-case,” Lampard responded. “Rashford’s a young player, he’s got how many caps for his country? Tuanzebe went on loan last year and did fantastic in the Championship.

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“Dan James has come in and been a fantastic signing for them. I think we’ve all got players with relative experience or not.

“I think Man United have got loads of good players. In terms of the loan system, there probably is some credit. The loans need to be the right loans, need to be the right clubs.

“I was fortunate to have Mason [Mount] and Fikayo [Tomori] last year [at Derby], they were good for me and hopefully I was good for them.

“That’s how the loan system works at its best, when you’re talking about players with really good potential.”