Alfie Culshaw
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has admitted Manchester United need to ‘get quality in and numbers in’ following their dismal defeat to Burnley at Old Trafford last night.
Manchester United were jeered off their own pitch last night after another disappointing result which saw Burnley claim their first-ever Premier League victory at Old Trafford. A smart finish from Chris Wood opened the scoring, before Jay Rodriguez’s unstoppable strike doubled their lead to seal victory for the Clarets.
The defeat leaves United fifth in the league, six points adrift of the top four, in spite of Chelsea‘s inconsistencies having already presented the Red Devils with several opportunities to cut the gap.
Without Marcus Rashford leading the line, there is a now huge reliance on Anthony Martial and Mason Greenwood to produce goals, while they also lack the creative players behind them to break down the division’s more well-disciplined sides.
With United’s squad seemingly down to the bare bones, and with just eight days remaining of the January window, Solskjaer admitted his ‘need’ to strengthen.
Man Utd have now lost more Premier League games since Ole Gunnar Solskjær took permanent charge of the club than they have won.
At least Man City played their strongest team against them in the League Cup. 🤐 pic.twitter.com/4nsWPX5fn8
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) January 22, 2020
“I’m responsible for what is happening on the pitch, we’re looking to strengthen, we need to strengthen. We know that,” Solskaer said in his post-match press conference.
“We took the decision to let some players go as we needed to start afresh with a clear sight on the target in front of us which is a certain type of player. We know we need to get quality in and numbers in.”
United came into the season already with a small squad, and this has only been further hampered by long-term injuries to the likes of Scott McTominay, Paul Pogba and now Rashford, leaving the Norwegian to admit that his side are ‘stretched’ and ‘mentally’ drained.
“We are working to improve and get players in. Hopefully, we can get something over the line. These players are stretched, and I’ve got no complaints on any of them – they give everything they’ve got.
“We’ve got to stick to our values, stick to our beliefs. And knowing that there is no use feeling sorry for yourself. Go out tomorrow, the next day with the same commitment and get ready for Sunday. We are stretched. Some of the players have played more than they should’ve – more mentally rather than psychically, they need a mid-season break.”
Solskjaer given ‘unequivocal backing’ by Manchester United despite woeful defeat to Burnley
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