Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is disappointed after his team’s 2-0 loss to Manchester City at Old Trafford. He says there is no excuse as to why United performed dismally in the Saturday derby.
City’s Eric Bailly’s first early goal saw United fall behind before a second and final goal by Bernardo Silva. Both goals came in the first half leaving United with a daunting task to break even in the second half but it was all futile.
What Ole Gunnar Said
Speaking to Sky Sports at Old Trafford, Ole Gunnar said it is tough taking the loss.
“It’s very difficult to talk now,” he said explaining that “of course, because we started the game off badly, passive and when they get the first goal, it was always going to be a difficult game anyway, but being 1-0 down was hard.”
He adds that despite playing against a certified great team, Red Devils game was below standard. And this is something they will have to revisit to avoid future embarrassment.
“It’s disappointing, of course. It’s hard to talk at the moment. We play against a good team, don’t forget that, but we were nowhere near what our standards and levels can be and that’s something we have to get back to. We’ve got to go back to being on the front foot, be more aggressive. Maybe circumstances have made us a little bit more cautious and passive.”
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. [Sky Sports]
What’s Ole Gunnar’s Plan After Manchester City Victory?
The Red Devils manager’s plan is to bring back the aggression Old Trafford is known for. He says there will be “more front foot” and confidence because that lacked in Saturday’s derby.
Also Ole Gunnar says that United may have to get the angles quickly and play better passes to redeem themselves. He notes that after the internationals, pressure and expectations on his players will be much more.
All Old Trafford is eyeing is getting back to where it was a while back.
“I work for Man United, I want the best for Man United. And, of course, as long as I’m here, I want to do what I can do to improve this. And that’s going back to what we started to look like, as I said.”
However, the United boss was all praises for David De Gea who tried by hook and crook saving his team.
Ole Gunnar Praises David De Gea
Although Baily and Silva managed to net two goals sealing three points for City, it could have been worse without De Gea’s saves.
Throughout the match, the Spaniard saved his team five times and Ole Gunnar couldn’t let all this go unnoticed.
Speaking to Manutd.com the Dutch said that “David kept us in the game.”
“Some good stops and then they scored a goal they always score. [Joao] Cancelo cuts inside, cross [to the] back-stick that we know that’s going to happen and it shouldn’t happen.”
This was not the first time the United manager was praising the 30-year-old goalkeeper. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer praised De Gea following a clash with Villareal on September 29.
The Red Devils manager says De Gea is the “best goalkeeper” he has seen so far.
Solskjaer’s praise came after United’s sterling performance at Old Trafford for the Champions League.
De Gea saved the team six times after the numerous opening to score by Villareal. Man United called it day with a 2-1 win – Cristiano Ronaldo scoring the last goal in the 95th minute.
De Gea’s performance according to pundits was some sort of redemption after a troubling Europa League final last year. When addressing the press, Solskjaer said the Red Devils are happy they had De Gea to save the day.
“Thankfully we had the best goalkeeper in the world tonight. David was fantastic. Very happy with his performance,” he said.
How Manchester City Played According to Ole Gunnar
Pep Guardiola extends stay at Manchester City. PHOTO: 90Min
He concedes that the Pep Guardiola team played exceptionally. City did not give United much opportunity to get the ball.
Reacting to City’s win, Guardiola said that it is admirable and carries a lot of pride for the club. The Etihad boss cited his players’ commitment as the secret to victory against United.
Throwing a jibe at the Red Devils, the Spaniard said that the only way to silence Old Trafford is by denying them the ball.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login