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How Ole Solskjaer’s Risky Decision Backfired For Manchester United

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How Ole Solskjaer's Risky Decision Backfired For Manchester United

Manchester United conceded their second consecutive defeat against Wolves in the FA Cup quarterfinals last weekend and Ole Gunner Solskjaer was less than happy with his players.

Other than getting knocked out of the domestic competition, the Norwegian’s team selection did raise a few eyebrows amongst the fans and the media.

Jesse Lingard, who has emerged as a crucial starter both under Jose Mourinho and Solskjaer this season was expected to return after the international break. His debilitating hamstring injury has continued to disrupt his form since the Premier League tie against Liverpool last month.

However, with Anthony Martial currently sidelined, Solskjaer decided to rush the England international back into his starting XI only after days since his return to training.

Throughout the fixture at the Molineux, Lingard was a massive flop. He did not look the sharpest and was hardly noticed on the offensive end.

It was clear as day the 26-year-old was not at his best self and could have used the extra time in the therapy room. Eventually, goals from Raul Jimenez and Diogo Jota was enough to seal the win for the Wanderers with Marcus Rashford only managing a consolation goal.

The Red Devils still have a fair chance at making their way back into the top four of the Premier League. They are also set to face off against Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals.

Solskjaer would need his best players back to their full strengths going into a very crucial month of April.

See Also: Neville Predicts Manchester United Fans Will Demand Solskjaer Sacking

Juventus interested in signing Manchester United forward

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According to reports from Calciomercato, Juventus are interested in signing Manchester United’s Alexis Sanchez. Sanchez has been far from his best since he joined Manchester United from Arsenal last January.

This season, injuries have hampered the Chilean. Sanchez has made 23 appearances for Manchester United so far, scoring two goals and four assists.

Juventus have already confirmed the signing of one Premier League player for next season, Aaron Ramsey. The Bianconeri are eager to rope in another Premier League player.

Yesterday, Juventus decided to rest Cristiano Ronaldo and lost 2-0 to Genoa. After yesterday’s defeat, Juventus may have the idea of getting a left-winger as a suitable backup for Ronaldo which is Sanchez’s playing position.

Given how he has been faring at Manchester United, Alexis Sanchez might prefer a move away from Old Trafford. However, provided Juventus manage to sign Sanchez, the Chilean will play second fiddle to Ronaldo.

 

Nemanja Matic – ‘We Cannot Let It Go Like This’

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Nemanja Matic - 'We Cannot Let It Go Like This'

Manchester United fans might still be reeling back from their latest defeat to the Wolves in the FA Cup quarterfinals.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s men dealt out a very heavy 2-1 blow at the Molineux on Saturday, right after United’s loss Premier League loss to Arsenal.

They are 5th in the points table with the Gunners 2 points ahead of them and Chelsea only a point behind. With just 8 games left, it is distinctly clear that the Red Devils might have to get back to their winning form if they plan on upstaging the 2 to one of the Champions League qualification spots.

Nemanja Matic voiced the same sentiments during his post-match comments this weekend. The Serbian midfielder said, “We have to give our best now to reach the top four. We cannot let it go like this.”

“There is a lot to play for. We have eight games to play in the Premier League and we are fighting for the top four. We have the Champions League as well. We will see what we are able to do and how much quality we have.”

Interim manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer seems to have won over both the club’s players and the fans with an incredible start to his United managerial career. However, doubt has crept in recently after his winning run came to an end.

Matic added, “I want Ole to stay. He is a great manager, very positive and the club will decide.”

“We will analyse this game to see where we made mistakes and see what we can do better. I am sure he will turn this situation around and we will do better.”

See Also: Neville Predicts Manchester United Fans Will Demand Solskjaer Sacking

Neville Predicts Manchester United Fans Will Demand Solskjaer Sacking

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Neville Predicts Manchester United Fans Will Demand Solskjaer Sacking

Former Manchester United ace Gary Neville has said that the Manchester United fans will one day look for the sacking of their manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. The United legend turned football expert has also defended his former colleague by saying that he will stand by him in the time of crisis.

Replying to a tweet that pointed towards the fact that Neville had a say in former United manager Jose Mourinho’s sacking as he criticised him fiercely during his regime, the former England international was pretty clear in his defence of the interim gaffer. He replied, “When you’re all asking for Ole to be sacked one day I will support him also and disappoint you again. Sorry.”

He also made a point on the fact that Solskjaer needs to find out the reasons behind the loss his side had to endure at the hands of Wolverhampton Wanderers in the FA Cup quarter-final. on the Gary Neville Podcast. He said, “I think Ole will look towards how they’ve lost.”

He added, “I said this in a podcast a few weeks ago: that’s an acceptable way to lose 2-0. You can never say at Manchester United it’s acceptable to lose 2-0. But that’s an acceptable way to lose 2-0. There were four strikers on the pitch at the end of the game, they had as many chances as Arsenal, they had more possession.”

SEE ALSO: Solskjaer Discusses About Possible Move For Real Madrid Star To Man United

Are the wheels falling off at United?

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Are the wheels falling off at United?
Bildbyran

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer took over Manchester United three months back. And he completed a massive turn around.

A few weeks back after an incredible return against PSG, every United fan were happily chanting away “Ole’s on the wheel.”

A new contract seemed inevitable. He was guiding them in two cup ties and giving them the much coveted fourth spot. However, a bad couple of weeks, including a massive top four defeat to Arsenal and getting kicked out of the FA Cup by Wolves, and United are suddenly not untouchable anymore. Is the magic fading away?

This is what the boss had to say.

“It was a big step backwards I have got to say,” said Solskjaer. “That was the poorest performance since I got here. Last week we were happy with the performance but today we never had the urgency or the quality on the ball.”

“Without the ball we did OK first half but the tempo on the ball wasn’t high enough so we played into their hands really. I think we felt too comfortable in possession. We never managed to put their goalkeeper under pressure.”

“We know we played well against Arsenal last week and didn’t get what we deserved. This week we did get what we deserved because we never deserved to win this game. Of course, you can’t sit down and sulk too long,” he added. “Of course we are disappointed, everyone is disappointed with the result today.”

“But we are ready to go again after the internationals. We have so much to play for. Manchester United in April and May always find our form. We cannot wait for the challenge for third and, of course, big nights like when Barcelona come. There are so many highlights to look forward to.”

“Don’t worry about the players’ attitude because when we come back again we will give it a good go.”

Fair enough, but only problem remains that Solskjaer’s new contract pretty much depends on the next few weeks without which nothing is happening. Who will be on the wheel this summer?

SEE MORE: Solskjaer Discusses About Possible Move For Real Madrid Star To Man United

Solskjaer talks about Manchester United’s FA Cup exit

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Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer believes that last night’s FA Cup defeat to Wolves is the club’s worst performance since he took over. Manchester United exited the FA Cup in the quarter-finals last night after losing 2-1 to Wolves at the Molineux Stadium.

Goals from Raul Jimenez and Diogo Jota gave Wolves a 2-0 lead

This is the Red Devils’ second successive defeat, having lost 2-0 to Arsenal last weekend.

Following the match, Solskjaer said, “It was a big step backwards I have got to say. That was the poorest performance since I got here.

Last week we were happy with the performance but today we never had the urgency or the quality on the ball. Without the ball we did OK first half but the tempo on the ball wasn’t high enough so we played into their hands really.

I think we felt too comfortable in possession. We never managed to put their goalkeeper under pressure. We know we played well against Arsenal last week and didn’t get what we deserved. This week we did get what we deserved because we never deserved to win this game.”

With a place in the top four to fight for and matches against Barcelona coming up, Solskjaer preferred not to be too gloomy. The Norwegian said, “Of course, you can’t sit down and sulk too long. Of course we are disappointed, everyone is disappointed with the result today. But we are ready to go again after the internationals. We have so much to play for. Manchester United in April and May always find our form. We cannot wait for the challenge for third and, of course, big nights like when Barcelona come. There are so many highlights to look forward to.

Don’t worry about the players’ attitude because when we come back again we will give it a good go.”

Manchester United’s campaign resumes on the 30th when they play Javi Gracia’s Watford at Old Trafford.

Solskjaer Discusses About Possible Move For Real Madrid Star To Man United

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Solskjaer Discusses About Possible Move For Real Madrid Star To Man United

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has spoken about the transfer plans of the club for the next summer transfer window and has also discussed the possibility of a move for the Real Madrid flop Gareth Bale to Old Trafford next season. The Welshman, who is having a disastrous season with the Spanish giants, has been one of the many stars linked with a move to the Premier League and particularly Manchester United this season.

The Manchester United manager said, “I can’t really comment on Gareth Bale or specific names because they’re property of other clubs.”

He added, “But we should look for quality players, definitely, and players who could improve us as a team. There’s so many factors you need to think about when you sign players. It’s not easy – I don’t know if it’s easy either – when you’re in the media or when you’re a supporter, you can think short-term. We’ve got to think about the longevity as well, who’s going to fit in personality-wise. So, there’s so many things that we need to think about.”

Speaking on the possibility of pulling off a win against Barcelona in their next UCL match, the interim gaffer said, “The confidence in the players, it’s sky high. And the mood is good, the training attitude is good, so hopefully we can keep that run going.”

He concluded, “There have been a couple of comments about ‘you used to have number 20′ (and it is 20 years since the treble’ and blah, blah, blah. I believe that you get what you deserve in life, in sports. If you put the work in, I believe, if you work hard, show the right attitude, if you go in every single day and do the right things you can maximise your chances.”

SEE ALSO: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer Could Tweak His System Against Wolves

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer Could Tweak His System Against Wolves

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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer Could Tweak His System Against Wolves
190302 Fotboll, Premier League Soccer Football - Premier League - Manchester United v Southampton - Old Trafford, Manchester, Britain - March 2, 2019 Manchester United interim manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer REUTERS/Phil Noble EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please contact your account representative for further details. © Bildbyrån - COP 7 - SWEDEN ONLY

Ole  Gunnar Solskjaer could make some tactical changes on Saturday when Manchester United take on Wolves in a FA Cup quarter final at Molineux.

The Norwegian manager has taken the decision as a number of players are set to be absent in this match and the manager may have to tweak his setup in a bid to cope up with the difficulties of this game.

Romelu Lukaku has a sore foot and will undergo a late fitness test while Ashley Young is suspended after receiving consecutive suspensions in the last two FA Cup matches. Diogo Dalot is expected to fill in his position.

Anthony Martial could be given a start alongside Marcus Rashford who has been in red hot form for the Red Devils.

Solskjaer said, “Ashley’s been fantastic.

“But we’ve got Diogo, Phil Jones can play there [at right-back], so we’ve got players who could play there. We might even swap to a different system, you never know.”

“Any game you lose is a big anti-climax

“It’s the worst feeling you can have. And that’s maybe the only good thing about that Arsenal defeat, to feel how much it hurt.

“Because [the first leg defeat to] PSG, we still had a chance to correct it and the last game I lost [before that] was against Ranheim on 26th August, so it was a long time ago.

“To win trophies you’ve got to win at least one or two really tough games. They’re like defining moments. We beat Liverpool, we beat Chelsea, we beat Arsenal back then [in 1999], and you think, ‘We deserve a little bit of luck in the draw next time’.

“But Wolves away, what a difficult game that can be. So comparisons? Well we’re not challenging to win the league this year but we are challenging for the other two trophies.”

Michael Carrick compares Fergie’s coaching style to that of Ole’s

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Michael Carrick compares Fergie's coaching style to that of Ole's
190310 Fotboll, Premier League Soccer Football - Premier League - Arsenal v Manchester United - Emirates Stadium, London, Britain - March 10, 2019 Manchester United interim manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer during the match REUTERS/Eddie Keogh EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please contact your account representative for further details. © Bildbyrån - COP 7 - SWEDEN ONLY

Michael Carrick has said that Ole’s coaching style is similar to that of Sir Alex Ferguson.

“[They have the] same principles. Ole’s team-talks are big on hard work [as Ferguson’s were].”

“He delivers it his way. That’s the club’s way, the DNA of Manchester United: an exciting, positive, winning performance, where you take risks, you go for it.”

“Work ethic, humility – the United way is not ‘we’re better than you’. We just have to work harder. The best teams United had over the years always had an unbelievable work ethic.”

“You can’t put a price on that feeling. I can try to play it down all I want, you try to forget about it, move on, but it was one of those nights that in a few months’ time, a few years, we’ll look back and go ‘wow, that was special’,” said Carrick.

“The buzz of winning was incredible. The dressing room was bouncing. The lads were all singing ‘Ole’s at the wheel’. Sir Alex and Eric [Cantona] were in there, so the lads started singing Cantona songs.

“Everyone, young kids to grandmas, come up to me in the street and say ‘this is great’. Especially after Paris. Paris was massive.”

SEE MORE: Solskjaer Reacts To Champions League Draw Against Barcelona

Solskjaer Reacts To Champions League Draw Against Barcelona

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Solskjaer Reacts To Champions League Draw Against Barcelona

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has insisted that his side were set to face the reigning La Liga champions Barcelona in the Champions League quarter-final draw. The Red Devils have been drawn against the Blaugrana in which is expected to be one of the fiercest contests in the Champions League this season.

Speaking on the club’s official website, Solskjaer said, “Yes, it had to be [Barcelona]!”

He added, “I’ve had so many texts from friends saying this year is going to be the year that we’ll get through because of my number, 20, and it being 20 years ago. We’re off to the Nou Camp again!”

Referring to the treble winning season in 1999 when the side travelled to Barcelona, Solskjaer also said, “It was the biggest night I’ve had in football. Of course, for all of us in that team, it was an unbelievable night. It’s a great stadium… and, of course, we met them in the group stages as well that year – 3-3 each both home and away. It’ll be a good game. We want these games against the biggest clubs and the biggest teams. We had the finals against them in 2009 and 2011 and the semi-final in 2008 when Scholesy [Paul Scholes] scored, and it’s those games that our supporters and this club crave. We are looking forward to this one.”

SEE ALSO: Solskjaer talks about United’s chance this season