Football

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer tells Man Utd players how they must react to Burnley defeat


Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admitted Manchester United fans have every right to be “disillusioned” after their season hit a new low with a shock defeat to Burnley .

The Clarets won for the first time at Old Trafford for 58 years as the pressure mounted on Solskjaer and the United board following an eighth Premier League defeat of the season.

United remain six points off fourth spot and Solskjaer said he empathised with furious fans, who made clear their feelings with anti-Glazer chants towards the club’s controversial owners.

“I’m in charge of them, it’s down to me to get these boys going,” said Solskjaer.

“At the end you do feel disillusioned, because maybe they [the fans] do, but for us we’ve just got to stick to our values, stick to our beliefs and know there’s no use feeling sorry for yourself.”

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer consoles Daniel James after Manchester United’s defeat to Burnley

Solskjaer said United’s players are ready for the Premier League’s first ever mid-season break.

But they have three games to play before that – starting with Sunday’s FA Cup clash against the winners of tonight’s replay between Watford and Tranmere.

“You’ve got to go out there with the same commitment tomorrow, the day after, get ready for Sunday,” said the United boss.

“But the players are stretched, some have played more than they should have and, more mentally than physically, need the mid-season break.”

Solskjaer added: “I wouldn’t say today was a fair reflection on this group – they’ve done fantastic at times.

There were empty seats late in the match as United suffered a dismal defeat

“I can’t sit here and do anything but hold my hands up and say it’s not good enough for Manchester United .”

United fans renewed their calls for owners the Glazers to be ousted from the club, along with executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward, with Solskjaer treading a diplomatic path.

“I’m responsible for what’s happening on the pitch,” said Solskjaer.

“I can understand supporters are disappointed but there’s a way of – we just need to make sure we try to help the players and the club.

“I think today the players hear the fans when they support them and that’s helped them, so keep sticking at that.”

Sean Dyche, pictured posing for a photo with a United fan, said he had respect for what Solskjaer is trying to achieve at the club

Asked about the prospect of signing players before transfer deadline day at the end of the month, Solskjaer said United were still hoping to bring in new faces.

“We’re working to improve and get players in,” said Solskjaer. “Hopefully we can get something over the line, because these players are being stretched.”

Goals in either half from Chris Wood and Jay Rodriguez in either half gave Burnley a deserved win, with Clarets boss Sean Dyche revealing sympathy for Solskjaer.

“Sir Alex Ferguson leaving was always going to be tough,” said Dyche. “There’s been changes of managers and players, they’ve gone younger in terms of players, and they still have to learn.

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“I personally have a lot of respect for what Ole’s trying to do here. They’re trying to build momentum with a younger base that will help for years to come.

“It takes some steel to do that and get it into a bigger and better place. Look at Liverpool – it’s taken time and it’s not easy.”





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