Manchester United under Solskjaer

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'The league table at this point is not the biggest concern': Ole Gunnar Solskjaer isn't worried about Manchester United sitting in NINTH... despite it being their worst start to a campaign since 1988-89

* Manchester United could only manage a point against Aston Villa on Sunday
* It's the club's worst start to a top flight season since 1988-89, over 30 years ago
* However, boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer isn't yet worried about their league position
* United are currently in ninth place in the table with 18 points from 14 matches

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer claimed he isn't worried about Manchester United's position in the Premier League table after seeing his side drop more points at home to Aston Villa on Sunday.

A 2-2 draw left United in ninth place with 18 points from 14 games. As Jose Mourinho returns to Old Trafford as Tottenham manager on Wednesday night, Solskjaer needs to win his next three games – against Spurs, Manchester City and Everton – to have a better record than his predecessor when he was sacked a year ago this month.

'The league table at this point is not the biggest concern because it is so tight,' said Solskjaer.


Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer isn't yet worried about their league position. United are in ninth place in the Premier League and have taken just 18 points from 14 games

'I wouldn't have sat here and talked about us being fifth if we had got that one goal extra.

'I just need to make sure that we get three or four performances after each other – and results.

'What I can say is so far we have had the lead in so many games and we haven't been able to win those games. Six or seven times we've been 1-0 up, or 2-1 or 3-2 like last week.

'We should be better at seeing those games into wins.'

United hit back from conceding an excellent strike from Jack Grealish to lead when Marcus Rashford's effort went in off Villa keeper Tom Heaton and Victor Lindelof headed them in front.

But a week after conceding a late equaliser at Sheffield United, Solskjaer's side were in front for less than two minutes on Sunday before Tyrone Mings pegged them back.

'I'm disappointed we conceded straightaway,' added Solskjaer. 'We are a young team, the youngest team in the league, but that's not an excuse for us not see games out we are winning.

'I think there's loads of evidence these boys are closer to winning games than losing games and to tip those margins in our favour.

'The first half wasn't good enough. I'm disappointed in that because all the boys that stayed here while the young ones went over to Kazakhstan, we should have been coming out of the traps quicker.

'But the second half was what we want to see. We created loads of big chances and should have won this game but we didn't deserve to.'

Villa boss Dean Smith was left ruing Grealish's failure to score a second goal that could have given his side victory.

'Jack scores a sublime goal to give us the lead and then he misses a chance he scores 99 out of 100 and they go to the other end and score,' said Smith.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-7744453/Ole-Gunnar-Solskjaer-isnt-worried-Uniteds-league-position.html

GW midweek ini menjadi alarm bagi Ole, kalah vs Spurs maka siap2 saja awal tahun bisa saja diganti jika tidak ada perubahan performa dilapangan. 2 kandidat terkuat yakni Pochettino & Allegri bakal siap menggantikan Ole IMO

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'It will give him a few days peace and quiet... until the next game he loses': Peter Schmeichel doesn't think the pressure will be off Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for long despite Manchester United beating Tottenham

* Marcus Rashford scored twice in Manchester United's 2-1 win over Tottenham
* Peter Schmeichel insists Ole Gunnar Solskjaer can relax after Wednesday's win
* However, United legend believes the pressure will return once United lose again

Peter Schmeichel believes Ole Gunnar Solskjaer can relax following Manchester United's emphatic win over Tottenham... for now.

Marcus Rashford broke the deadlock early on at Old Trafford before Dele Alli equalised with a superb solo-effort minutes before the break.

Rashford then scored the winning goal from the penalty spot shortly after the restart after the England striker was brought down inside the area by Moussa Sissoko.

Former Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino is one of the men linked with Solskjaer's position following a rocky start to the campaign for the Red Devils.

And while the win lifts the pressure off of Solskjaer's shoulders, Schmeichel insists that the same questions will be asked when United lose again.

'[The result] will give him a few days peace and quiet for sure,' Schmeichel told Amazon Prime: 'It will last until the next game he loses. He's got a really really young team and we should never forget that and he will have ups and downs with this team.


Peter Schmeichel believes Ole Gunnar Solskjaer can relax until Manchester United lose again. Solskjaer's position at United has questioned following a rocky start to the current campaign

'He is under pressure. He is the next one. Maybe [Marco] Silva at Everton is probably in front of him for being sacked but he still goes out there, he still puts out the young team out, trusts them and believes in them.

'This game could not have come at a worse time for Ole, in terms of that pressure. Because it's Jose Mourinho, the manager that he succeeds, and he goes out there and he puts a team out and he gets them winning.

'They have a setback from the first half, he still turns them around for the second half and for me, if people would just focus on that and see that Ole is doing a really really good job.'

Following the win, Solskjaer was quick to praise Rashford for his fine performance that could've seen United go three goals up before Alli's equaliser if it hadn't been for Paulo Gazzaniga's heroics in goal.

Solskjaer said: 'The boy is 22 and today he played like he was in the back yard or garden or in the playground with his mates.

'He has just enjoyed himself. Sometimes there is expectation or pressure on him because we do expect a lot from him because he has shown it so many times.

'We want them to go out and enjoy themselves, with no fear of losing. United fans love to see wingers and forwards play with courage.

'I'm very happy with how he's matured, we want him to but it's natural he can't have this level as this was a top-class performance.'

The win lifts United above Tottenham in the table, with the Red Devils now sitting sixth in the table.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-7757371/Peter-Schmeichel-says-pressure-temporarily-lifted-Ole-Gunnar-Solskjaer-win.html

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Wins against Tottenham and Manchester City mean Ole Gunnar Solskjaer can relax... now he can plan for the future at Manchester United

* The situation on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has eased following two important wins
* If Manchester United lost to Spurs and Manchester City he'd be under pressure
* United got right balance between attacking quality and defensive discipline

The past few days have been a huge turning point for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Defeats against Spurs and Manchester City and he’d be under huge pressure this morning, maybe even gone.

As it happens, United have put in two brilliant performances and six points. It won’t be easy but they’ll fancy a run for the Champions League spots now. It also takes away the speculation about Ole’s future leading up to the important January transfer window.

He can concentrate now on bringing in a couple of new players to maintain the challenge.


The pressure on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has eased following two very important victories. United got the right balance between quality going forward and defensive discipline

A forward that gives them some strength in depth so the Rashford- Martial-James triangle doesn’t have to play every week, and a midfielder in the mould of Bruno Fernandes. Solskjaer has also done something no other Manchester United manager has managed — made himself popular with Liverpool fans.

There’s no doubt that Saturday's results means the league title is going to Anfield. I know Leicester City are second but Manchester City were the real rivals to Jurgen Klopp’s side and they are now 14 points behind — it’s too much.

I bet you’ve never seen Scousers cheer Manchester United goals in the pubs of Liverpool like you did when Anthony Martial made it 2-0.

United got the right balance between quality going forward and the other sides of the game like discipline, fitness and desire.

We know the squad isn’t the strongest but when Solskjaer has his strongest back five and front three, they are a match for anyone. He faces a dilemma with Paul Pogba now because this team doesn’t deserve to be broken up.

We all know his quality but would he play with the same energy to win second balls that Fred and Scott McTominay have shown? United’s improved results have come with McTominay playing in front of a settled defence of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and either Ashley Young or Luke Shaw.

It gives a terrific platform for the rest of the team. Manchester City aren’t the force of the last two seasons. Pep Guardiola is entitled to make the odd mistake given his record but I do think he’d be better off using Fernandinho in midfield rather than switching him to centre-back.

David Silva wasn’t as influential against United. He knows he’s in his last season with City and while he’s still a capable player, I wonder if psychologically he’s got slightly less tenacity and hunger. With the title gone, perhaps it is time to give Phil Foden more Premier League games.

The Champions League has to be Guardiola’s target now.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-7767821/Wins-against-Tottenham-Manchester-City-mean-Ole-Gunnar-Solskjaer-relax-Manchester-United.html

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'I think it is the best 30 minutes I have seen anyone play against Man City in the past three years': Jamie Carragher heaps praise on Manchester United after 'out of this world' derby win

* Jamie Carragher said nobody had played better in three years against Man City
* The Sky pundit described Manchester United's performance as 'devastating'
* Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial scored to dent City's title hopes

Jamie Carragher believes Manchester United's derby win away to City was the best performance any side has produced against the Premier League champions in the last three years.

Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial scored two quick-fire goals in the first half at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday and United defended valiantly thereafter for a famous victory.

And for Carragher, even factoring in Liverpool's swashbuckling performance at Anfield against City in the Champions League back in April 2018 when Pep Guardiola's side lost 3-0, United's performance topped the lot.


Jamie Carragher was full of praise for Manchester United's performance at City in the derby. The Sky Sports pundit felt it was the best any side had played against City in three years

'I think it is the best 30 minutes I have seen anyone play City in the past three years,' Carragher said on Sky's Monday Night Football.

'Liverpool at Anfield, certainly, but this was away. I thought it was devastating and this was Manchester United at their best. It's quality football at 100mph.

'A lot has been made of Manchester City but even City at their best, I think they would have found this difficult. At the weekend (United) were out of this world.'


Marcus Rashford (middle) was in fine form and Carragher described the game as 'devastating'

The win marked a phenomenal week for Manchester United having overcome Jose Mourinho's rejuvenated Tottenham and beaten the champions away from home in the same week.

Former Liverpool, Chelsea and Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez joined Carragher on Monday Night Football and felt United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer deserved credit for tactical adjustments in the derby.

'I was watching this space between the midfielders, they were very narrow, that was clear,' Benitez said, breaking down a number of key incidents.

'A couple of throw-ins were short and they switched play both times. I think Solskjaer did a great job in terms of tactics and you have to have players who can do that but you need tactics to do that.'

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-7773681/Carragher-heaps-praise-Manchester-United-world-derby-win.html

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Fred is finally living up to his £52m price-tag, Marcus Rashford is in the form of his life and Scott McTominay's return shows why he's so highly rated at Old Trafford... how Manchester United defeated Tottenham and City in a momentous week

* Manchester United are up to fifth spot after wins over Tottenham and Man City
* Fred has been particularly impressive in the two vital victories for Man United
* Marcus Rashford has already matched his best goalscoring tally for a season
* Scott McTominay returned from injury at a crucial time to boost the Red Devils

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has just experienced his most successful week as Manchester United manager with two crucial wins against Jose Mourinho's Tottenham and Pep Guardiola's Manchester City.

Solskjaer went in to the games under intense pressure following disappointing draws with Sheffield United and then Aston Villa.

However, United's first-team players — who are fully behind Solskjaer — put in impressive displays to take three points off two of their top-six rivals.

Here, we take a look at how Manchester United have pulled off the surprise victories against Spurs and City.

THE RETURN OF SCOTT McTOMINAY

While McTominay does not get the attention he deserves from those outside of the four walls at Old Trafford, United fans know he is now a vital cog in their engine room.

Manchester United missed his energy, tenacity and passion when he was out injured and the Scotsman has formed a strong partnership with Fred in the middle of the park.

The 23-year-old is now one of the first names on Solskjaer's teamsheet and rightly so as he is showing his worth to the Red Devils.

His statistics against Manchester City were particularly impressive as he won four of his five aerial battles, won all three of his tackles made and recovered the ball seven times.


Scott McTominay is now one of the first names on Manchester United's teamsheet

FRED IS SHOWING HE DESERVES TO BE A RED

Fred arrived at Old Trafford with big expectations placed on his shoulders due to his £52million price-tag.

Manchester United beat rivals City in the race for his signature but the Brazil international struggled to hold down a first-team spot during his first season in England.

Like most South American players, Fred needed time to adjust to the pace of the Premier League and he now seems to be fully bedded in to life in Manchester.

His understanding with McTominay appears to be improving game-by-game with his influence on matches becoming far more noticeable.

Marcus Rashford lauded the Brazilian after Saturday evening's impressive win over City with the United forward tweeting: 'Unreal performance from Fred. Talk about bringing fire to the big occasion.'

Solskjaer will be hoping Fred continues to show he has fire in his belly.


Fred is slowly proving his worth to United following a slow start to life in Manchester


Marcus Rashford praised Fred following Saturday's 2-1 win over rivals Manchester City

MARCUS IS NO LONGER RASH

Another player who is on fire at the moment is a certain Marcus Rashford.

The Manchester United forward has already equalled his best scoring return for a season by netting his 13th goal at the weekend... and it's only December.

Rashford has netted 13 times in his last 14 games for club and country to make him one of the most in-form forwards in world football.

He has scored most of those goals while playing on the left wing for both United and England.

His partnership with Anthony Martial is bearing fruit while his link-up play with Jesse Lingard has always been impressive.

Add Paul Pogba back to the mix when he returns from injury and Rashford may have even more chances to convert.


Marcus Rashford is in the form of his life with the United forward on 13 goals for the season

UNITED LOOK GOOD AGAINST THE SO-CALLED BIG TEAMS

Solskjaer appears to be a big-game manager with his side's best results coming against the likes of Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and Manchester City since taking over the reins

City's style of play helped United on Saturday as Solskjaer's men were set up to hit Guardiola's men on the counter attack.

Few defenders can match the pace of Rashford, Martial and Daniel James in attack when they are given the right service.

Manchester United are not afraid to let their opponents have the majority of the ball and then they go for the kill when there is space to attack after regaining possession.

It will now be interesting to see how United fare against the likes of upcoming opponents AZ Alkmaar, Everton and Colchester as they will go to Old Trafford as clear underdogs.

It's the games against Crystal Palace, Newcastle and Aston Villa which have cost United this season.


United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is proving to be the man for the big occasion

HARRY MAGUIRE IS SETTLING DOWN

Maguire hasn't had the best of starts to life as a Manchester United player as the former Leicester man has looked shaky following his world record £80m move.

When you make a player the most expensive defender in football you expect them to hit the ground running but United have conceded too many goals.

Maguire has been a constant at centre back with Solskjaer changing his partner in either a two-man or three-man defence.

Axel Tuanzebe, Marcos Rojo and Phil Jones have all had minutes in the Premier League but Victor Lindelof is Maguire's main centre-back partner.

Solskjaer needs to give the duo a run so they can build up their understanding and shouldn't switch formations to mimic other top-flight sides.

Maguire, despite only joining the club in August, also seems like the right man to wear the captain's armband when the ageing Ashley Young is left out.


Harry Maguire is proving to be the natural leader at Manchester United after his summer move

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-7771935/How-Manchester-United-returned-form-against-Tottenham-Man-City.html

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The pieces are finally starting to fall into place for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as Manchester United's young guns dig in to earn a draw against Everton

* Manchester United 1-1 Everton - Mason Greenwood rescues point for hosts
* The spirit of United could hardly be stronger in the matchday squad
* The young side did not hit the heights as in recent wins over Man City and Spurs
* But there was further evidence of talent committed to playing attacking football

There will have been times over the last 82 years and 4,000 games when the impact of Manchester United's young players on the first-team was not as great as it is now.

Times when a remarkable run of academy graduates appearing in the match-day squad came close to being broken and the sequence drawing to an end.

More than four decades after Tom Manley and Jackie Wassall started it off by playing in a 1-0 defeat to Fulham on October 30, 1937, the spirit of youth at United could hardly be stronger.


Jesse Lingard played in Manchester United's 4000th successive match with a graduate

A club that produced the Busby Babes and Class of '92 has put its faith in a new generation of young players and a manager who understands more than anyone United's commitment to youth.

It became ingrained in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as a player and coach here long before he returned to Old Trafford a year ago this week tasked not only with reviving the club's fortunes but also overseeing a cultural shift more in keeping with United's traditions.

Nothing is more central to that than young, homegrown talent committed to playing an attacking style of football. It's not an easy process and there have been more than a few bumps in the road for Solskjaer over the past 12 months.

The feeling is that the pieces are starting to fall into place and there was further evidence of that in a 1-1 draw with Everton at Old Trafford. It couldn't hit the heights of recent wins over Manchester City and Tottenham, but United's young players showed character to come back from adversity and salvage a draw.


Mason Greenwood scored United's equaliser on a historic day for their academy graduates

Who better to score the equaliser on an occasion like this than Mason Greenwood? The teenager had only been on the pitch for 12 minutes when he received the ball from Daniel James. Just as he had done when scoring twice against Alkmaar in the Europa League here on Thursday night, Greenwood didn't hesitate. He picked his spot and guided a low shot just inside England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford's left-hand post.

The United fans rose once again to applaud a rising star and the youngest scorer at Old Trafford since Federico Macheda against Aston Villa here a decade ago.

'Mason Greenwood is different class in and around the box,' said Solskjaer afterwards. 'You're not surprised when he scores goals. It's fitting that it should be an academy player that scores in the 4,000th match and it makes it hard for me to leave him out.

'We've always had the DNA, with added players from other top clubs, and that will always be the philosophy here.'

Greenwood was one of seven academy graduates in Solskjaer's squad for the landmark game. Marcus Rashford, Scott McTominay and Jesse Lingard are regular first-team starters and they are there on merit. The bench included Andreas Pereira, Axel Tuanzebe, Brandon Williams and Greenwood who replaced Lingard in the 65th minute.


Scott McTominay is one of the latest United players to make the step up to the first team

In truth, this young United team deserved more from the game. They attacked from start to finish, had 67 per cent of possession and 24 shots compared to eight from Everton.

The outcome may have been different had Lingard placed his shot the other side of the post when the ball reached him off Tom Davies in the opening minutes and he span in front of goal to shoot. Or when Rashford flashed a shot wide of goal shortly afterwards after racing onto an excellent throughball from Victor Lindelof.

Lindelof's unfortunate own-goal before half-time – after Everton capitalised on weak goalkeeping from David de Gea and the leniency of the match officials in ignoring Dominic Calvert-Lewin appearing to thrust an arm into the United keeper's face – was enough to give the visitors the lead.

But United raised their game in the second half and were well on top by the time Greenwood fired them level. On a day like this he was the perfect scorer even though this wasn't the perfect result.


Marcus Rashford has become a prominent United graduates as an England international

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-7794825/Pieces-falling-place-Ole-Gunnar-Solskjaer-Manchester-Uniteds-youngsters-character.html

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'The first half could have easily been my testimonial': Ole Gunnar Solskjaer bemoans Manchester United's lack of intensity in sloppy defeat by Watford

* Manchester United fell to an embarrassing 2-0 defeat against Watford
* United were poor in the first half with Jesse Lingard missing a golden chance
* Boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer lamented United's disappointing start to the game
* He did point out that Paul Pogba's return was one of the few pluses on the day

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer blasted Manchester United for playing with the intensity of a testimonial as their worst ever Premier League season reached another nadir with a 2-0 defeat by bottom side Watford.

At Vicarage Road on Sunday, United were undone by two quick-fire second-half goals that gave Watford their first home win of the season.

David de Gea's howler gifted the home side the lead before Troy Deeney's penalty made sure of the points with a penalty four minutes later.

Solskjaer insisted there were 'no excuses' for his side's dismal defeat which leaves them eighth heading into Christmas.

'The first half could have easily been my testimonial. Maybe it would have been a better atmosphere in my testimonial to be fair,' Solksjaer said.

'It was very subdued, slow, no tempo, urgency, any bit of encouragement their crowd got was when we gave them set plays and we gifted them two goals as well in the second half.'

He added: 'The first one is a freak goal, a mistake. The second one as well is a bad mistake making that tackle. Two goals in three or four minutes made it hard for us.'


Ole Gunnar Solskjaer lamented Manchester United's start during their defeat at Watford. United were unable to find their tempo in the game as a second half double won it for Watford

After a tame first half, De Gea allowed Ismaila Sarr's tame volley to go through his hands, bounce off his face and into the net.

Since the start of last season, the goalkeeper has made six errors leading to goals in the Premier League. No one has made more.

Minutes later United's misery was compounded when Deeney doubled Watford's lead after Aaron Wan-Bissaka fouled Sarr inside the area.

'It's just a ball that slipped through his hands. A routine save that he makes,' added Solskjaer, who insisted he had 'no bother' with his goalkeeper.

'One of the things we're looking for now is when he catches it we're going to go quickly forward. Maybe it's down to thinking about the next action.' United improved after Paul Pogba made his long-awaited return from injury in the final half hour.

Solskjaer said his display was 'probably the only plus today', adding: 'We know we've started something with the rebuild but today at this moment I'm very disappointed because we have to come to these stadiums and get more points against teams like this... but there was no intent or urgency to make us deserve to win the game.'

For Watford, meanwhile, this represented a first victory for new boss Nigel Pearson - and ended a club-record run of 12 Premier League home games without a win.

'To be sitting here on December 22, and that's our first home win, it's incredible really,' said Pearson, who conceded his side played better in defeat by Liverpool last week.

'I felt today was going to be really important for us as a football club if we could achieve a win... I have seen lots to encourage myself that we are capable. We have to sustain our positive intent and our ability to go into these types of games and perform.'

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-7819433/Ole-Gunnar-Solskjaer-laments-poor-half-display-Manchester-United-fall-defeat-Watford.html

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'I can understand supporters are disappointed': Ole Gunnar Solskjaer accepts Manchester United fans booing his side after dismal Burnley display as he takes responsibility for chastening defeat

* Manchester United have slumped to a humiliating 2-0 home defeat to Burnley
* Fans began walking out of Old Trafford with plenty of regulation time to play
* Boos rang around the stadium as fans expressed their displeasure to the team
* Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has accepted the angry response of the club's fanbase

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admits his Manchester United side must accept the angry backlash from the fanbase inside Old Trafford, following a humiliating 2-0 defeat at home to Sean Dyche's Burnley.

United's famous stadium was sparse across all four corners before the final whistle had even sounded on Wednesday night, after supporters left in their droves amid the lacklustre performance.

A chorus of boos were heard ringing out around Old Trafford along with chants against the club's Glazer ownership as the players left the field, and Solskjaer insists all he can do right now is hold his hands up and take the criticism fired in his direction.


Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admits his side must accept the angry backlash from supporters

'I can understand supporters are disappointed when times are tough,' said the Norwegian in his post-match press conference.

'Today there wasn't in the end' Solskjaer replied frankly when asked for signs of progress, 'because at the end you do feel disillusioned, as you say, because maybe they do.

'But for us we've just got to stick to our values, stick to our beliefs and knowing that there's no use feeling sorry for yourself.

'We just need to make sure that we try to help the players and the team. The players hear the fans.

'Today wasn't a fair reflection on this group. I can't sit here and do anything but hold my hands up. That's where we're at.'

Chants were also aimed at United chief Ed Woodward at the final whistle, who is coming under increasing scrutiny for the club's poor transfer policy over the previous seven years since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson.


The match was yet to be finished, but the stands were bare and boos began ringing out. Supporters were furious after seeing their side fail to bounce back after defeat to Liverpool

When asked about the current transfer window, Solskjaer admitted plans remain ongoing to improve the team and add fresh faces.

'We're looking to strengthen and we know we have to. We let some players go because we needed to start afresh. We know we need quality and numbers.

'I think everyone can see that these players are being stretched. They are stretched and I have got absolutely no complaints on any of them because they give absolutely everything they've got.'

United remain linked with Sporting Lisbon midfielder Bruno Fernandes, though super agent Jorge Mendes recently poured doubts over a potential deal.

United have been locked in negotiations with Sporting Lisbon all month but are yet to reach an agreement on a fee for Fernandes.

When asked if he expected a deal to be completed for the 25-year-old, influential orchestrator Mendes said: 'I don't know. If he doesn't leave now, he will leave for sure in the summer because Sporting have already spoken with other clubs.

'Something will happen but I am not sure if now or at the end of the season.'

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-7918731/Ole-Gunnar-Solskjaer-admits-accept-Manchester-United-fans-booing-side.html

[Andi Istiabudi]

Sebenarnya saya sih masih percaya dengan Solskjaer karena melatih United memang tidak mudah dan pasti butuh waktu apalagi jika dibandingkan denga Sir Alex Ferguson, pasti banyak yang menganggap bagaikan bumi dan langit. Sayangnya penampilan "menggelikan" United beberapa pertandingan terakhir pasti membuat beberapa pihak di luar sana berteriak keras agar Solskjaer segera diganti atau dipecat. Saya doakan yang terbaik saja deh untuk Solskjaer maupun tim United

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Manchester United need a Marbella miracle! It will take more than a holiday in Spain to inject life into Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's flops

* Wolves leave for a warm-weather training camp in Marbella on Monday
* They will vacate Marbella on Friday, 24 hours before Man United arrive in town
* United are in more need of a rest than Wolves, who looked the better team
* Ole Gunnar Solskjaer took pride in a third clean sheet against Wolves in 29 days

Manchester United and Wolves have become so familiar to each other of late, it should be no surprise to hear they're heading for the same holiday resort.

After a third meeting between these two clubs in the space of 29 days, Wolves leave for a warm-weather training camp in Marbella on Monday and will vacate the football centre there on Friday, 24 hours before United arrive in town. They are in more need of a rest than Wolves, who looked the better team at Old Trafford.

While Ole Gunnar Solskjaer took pride in a third clean sheet in that trilogy, he overlooked the fact that United have scored just once themselves — a Juan Mata decider in an FA Cup third round replay last month. This was a third league blank in a row.


Ole Gunnar Solskjaer took pride in a third clean sheet against Wolves in the space of 29 days

It will take more than a winter break in Marbella to revive United and more than the signing of Bruno Fernandes to spark their attack into life.

United's new boy made a positive impression on his debut but he wasn't the best Portuguese midfielder on show. That accolade went to Ruben Neves, who cost Wolves significantly less than Fernandes at £15.8million.

It's going to be a long process, as Solskjaer acknowledges, and one that United fans can only hope is heading in the right direction.

While the manager talks up the character and culture he is trying to instil within the club, the real concern has to be quality. United simply don't have enough of it.

'I've been asked to do this job,' said Solskjaer. 'I think the fans see what we're trying to do and it had to be done. As I've said, it's a rebuild. You had to tear the house down and you had to get players out that weren't here in their minds.

'We've got players here now who will go that extra yard, that culture I want to set. That's the United culture. I know we're not in the Sir Alex Ferguson era, but the players we have, they have the right mentality and they're good personalities.

'That, for me, is the first tick. You don't stay here if you don't give everything to this team. When I came in, the squad weren't right. Of course, we are a different squad to the championship-winning one that Sir Alex had.

'This group of players haven't had that experience of winning. But that will come in the next few years, definitely. That's what we're working for and that's why those players are here.'

Fernandes showed enough of it to indicate that he will benefit his new club — and rightly so, considering the move from Sporting Lisbon could end up costing United the thick end of £67.8m. The 25-year-old was thrown straight into the starting line-up after one training session and wasn't afraid to demand the ball or shoot on sight.


Juan Mata was left to rue the missed opportunity during United's goalless draw on Saturday

Fernandes also left his Portugal team-mate Joao Moutinho needing treatment after one full-blooded challenge and was booked for a cynical foul on Raul Jimenez, showing another side to his game.

'He is going to show us a lot more but it was a fantastic debut for him,' said Diogo Dalot, who could have upstaged his compatriot had a late header not gone inches the wrong side of the post. 'He's going to help us build this team.'

Odion Ighalo, on the other hand, is a short-term fix after United loaned the Nigeria striker from Shanghai Shenhua for the season. Ighalo has flown in from China and will take some of the burden off a flagging Anthony Martial.

'He's been asked to play too much,' admitted Solskjaer. 'I know he's tired but he's never dodged a training session and he's available for every game, so I'm delighted with the boy.'

United fans ignored calls for a mass walkout in protest over the running of the club. 'There's only one Ed Woodward,' sang the Wolves supporters mischievously in the absence of United's under-fire executive vice-chairman. They have every right to be satisfied as their team remain level on points with United.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-7958637/Man-United-need-Marbella-miracle-Red-Devils-need-holiday-spark-life-flops.html