Ole: ‘We need to get back to what we started to look like’

Dan Butterfield
Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer believes Manchester United need to get back to what they were starting to look like after his side fell to a 2-0 defeat to rivals Manchester City.

An early Eric Bailly own goal and a smart finish from Bernardo Silva just before half time was enough for City who controlled the game from start to finish.

United struggled to make their mark on the game as they fall to another home defeat. Solskjaer’s side were humiliated 5-0 by Liverpool two weeks ago and this result will just add to the pressure on the United manager.


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Speaking to Sky Sports after the defeat, the Norwegian said: “We need to get back to what we started to look like for a while, and we’ve got the players to do that.

“We’ve been in this situation a few times of course, since the last game we played here it has been a very difficult period. We need to be on the front foot more, I can’t look at myself and say this is the way I want Manchester United to play.”

Solskjaer was then asked if he felt he was on borrowed time at Old Trafford to which he replied: “No, I don’t’ start to do that. I have good communications all the time with the club, we’re very upfront and honest about the situation. I work for Man Utd and want the best for Man Utd and while I’m here I’ll do what I can to improve this, and that’s going back to what we started to look like.”

United legend Roy Keane criticised the sides defending at half-time. Speaking on Sky Sports, Keane said:

“This defending – Shaw and De Gea. There’s not enough pressure,” claimed the former midfielder.

“It’s OK sitting back but when you get to this area you’ve got to have intensity, you’ve got to realise it’s almost half-time, you’re on the ropes. Stay in the game.

“You’re like a boxer, stay in the game. Look at Shaw and De Gea, what chance have you got in this game? Look at Shaw here, the goalkeeper…

“I’ve been cursing these guys for years. I give up. I give up on these players.

“De Gea, right on half-time. Look at Shaw! These are international footballers, I can’t understand the defending. I give up.

“I’m driving up here today thinking, ‘Manchester City, OK, but Man United will have that chance, they’re at home’.

“They’ve been like this all season, giving up chances. City got a little bit arrogant and gave them one or two chances, but it’s two at the moment and unless United do something drastic it’ll be another four or five.”