Easy run-in? Think again! Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says that the Manchester United Champions League pursuit is full of pit-falls in the next five games … with his team barely getting TWO points from the same opposition at the start of the season!
- Man United is looking for a place in the Champions League for next season
- Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team is unbeaten in 15 and has a favorable run-in
- But Solskjaer insisted that the remaining games will be anything but simple
- He stressed that United have fought against the same opponents this season
- United play Bournemouth on Saturday as they try to move into the top four
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer warned against dissatisfaction and insisted that Manchester United don’t have an “easy” match while chasing the top four in the Premier League.
United, who are currently engaged in an unbeaten 15-game game in all competitions, will hold second place from bottom Bournemouth at Old Trafford on Saturday.
They still have games against other teams threatened by the relegations Aston Villa and West Ham, as well as Southampton and Crystal Palace, during what appears to be a favorable match for their hopes in the Champions League.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer defended the complacency and insisted that Manchester United’s Premier League run-in is far from “easy” while chasing a spot in the Champions League
United were excellent as they swept Brighton 3-0 away at Amex Tuesday evening
But Solskjaer refuses to be pleased to face Eddie Howe’s team or the rest of United’s opponents, pointing out his team’s struggles against them in the past.
He said: ‘I have seen a lot of quotes that we had an easy break-in, but the next five games: Bournemouth we lost this season, Aston Villa we drew at Old Trafford, Southampton we drew, we lost at Palace, lost in West Ham.
‘There are teams that have a point to prove and that we need to improve on our last performances.
‘It’s not an easy game, whatever you think doesn’t matter, we’ll have to perform. Bournemouth is fighting relegation, it’s not a nice place to be.
Marcus Rashford reacts to the missed opportunity during United’s defeat in Bournemouth in November
Former United striker Joshua King scored the only goal of the game at Vitality Stadium
‘They are one of the best teams in the championship on placed kicks, we know that we have to stop a lot of things with them. But if we play our best, we should create chances and win the game. “
Solskjaer also insisted that United can bridge the gap between Liverpool and Manchester City champions and will stick to its managerial principles to bring them back to the title challengers.
United have 34 points behind the Liverpool champion, who lost 4-0 to City in second place Thursday night. Solskjaer attended the game and believes that his team will be closer next season.
“I saw two excellent teams on display,” said the United manager. ‘We believe we are on the right track and can further improve and bridge the gap.
Mason Greenwood reacts after United’s 2-2 draw against Aston Villa at Old Trafford in December
The target of the move to United Jack Grealish (right) scored a spectacular goal during the game
West Ham beat United 2-0 at the London stadium in the return leg in September
Harry Maguire reacts after a terrible performance by United in losing against the Hammers
‘It’s been a while since we ran away like this. When I first came to the track, it was also nice, but we certainly feel safe. Players should be. They worked so hard in the blockade period. ‘
The Norwegian believes United is on track after seven difficult years since Sir Alex Ferguson has retired and will continue to do what he believes is right to drive the revival.
He added: ‘If you are concerned about what others think of you, you shouldn’t be doing this job. What I feel doesn’t matter. What I do is with the technical staff, the club, trying to improve ourselves.
‘I’m not saying it’s the right thing or the wrong thing, it’s just about the next game and I believe in a certain way to manage the team, the players and the staff and do what I think is right.
“It’s what I’ve done pretty much in my life in football – sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t.”
United are ready to make changes after some players knocked on Tuesday’s victory in Brighton.
“I have to wait and see,” said Solskjaer. ‘If there are a couple of changes, don’t be surprised just by the fitness and there are so many games. I have to take care of the players.
‘It would be nice to play in a team that played so well against Sheffield United and Brighton, but let’s wait and see how they are all after training. I have many reasons to play on the same team, but I also have reasons to rotate. “
United were defeated at home by Crystal Palace in late August in a first season setback
Marcus Rashford scored a missed penalty during Palace’s 2-1 victory at Old Trafford
Advertisement
.
