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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer claims his Manchester United group thought they have been too good to only defend towards high sides – and believes that is a part of the membership’s DNA.
The previous Man United boss, 51, stated their foremost power was ‘counter-attacking’ however felt a ‘duty’ to make use of a sure type of soccer whereas in cost.
Solskjaer managed United between December 2018 and November 2021, main them to as excessive as second within the Premier League however failing to win a trophy.
The Norwegian was typically criticised for a supposed lack of tactical method and carefree setup, as his final 4 video games noticed a 5-0 thrashing at residence to Liverpool, a 3-0 win over Spurs, a 2-0 residence defeat by Manchester Metropolis, and a 4-1 drubbing at Watford.
‘The factor was, the gamers additionally felt, and perhaps wrongly so, thought, we’re a greater group than simply defending,’ Solskjaer informed the Stick with Soccer podcast, delivered to you by Sky Wager.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says his Manchester United gamers felt they have been ‘higher’ than taking a defensive method
His closing few matches noticed heavy drubbings, together with a 5-0 residence thrashing by Liverpool
‘There have been gamers whose foremost power was counterattacking and operating and digging in – to be trustworthy.
‘And in earlier years, you had gamers like Andreas Pereira, Dan James, Jesse Lingard, gamers that might run all day for you. And it’s simple to arrange a group and beat Metropolis away from residence.
‘At Manchester United you’ve gotten a duty as effectively for the followers to benefit from the sport. Don’t simply go and get a end result.’
He additionally stated: ‘That’s precisely what I used to be considering [to take the next step and be the dominant team].
‘I can’t be, as a result of there’s an opportunity you’re going to lose anyway, these two Liverpool and [Manchester] Metropolis – two of the very best groups on the earth within the final 4 or 5 years. Completely high groups. There’s an opportunity you’re going to lose anyway – for those who lose with out having a go, it’s like, ‘What’s the purpose?’
Even when United completed second in 2020/21, they nonetheless managed to concede 44 targets – essentially the most of any top-four aspect and solely two fewer than Sixteenth-placed Brighton.
Solskjaer’s constructive power acquired followers on board, with the mantra ‘Ole’s on the wheel’ being created in his honour, however at different instances they seemed desperately disorganised and inconsistent.
His closing league season acquired off to a effective begin with 4 wins and a draw, however the wheels got here off with a run of 5 defeats in seven in September, October, and November.
He added: ‘It was coming to a degree – we misplaced to Liverpool 5-0 and misplaced to [Manchester] Metropolis 2-0 at residence in two video games, and in-between we beat Tottenham 3-0 away.
They have been additionally overwhelmed 2-0 at residence by Manchester Metropolis as they went on a run of seven league video games with 5 defeats
Solskjaer stated gamers reminiscent of Jesse Lingard have been higher at operating than attacking for the group
‘However these two residence video games, I all the time checked out them as we have to be Manchester Utd, attempt to be United, don’t defend, don’t be counterattacking, simply let the gamers go on the market, go toe-to-toe with them as a result of in any other case there’s no level at being at Manchester United.
‘You have to, sooner or later take the following step – they usually weren’t prepared. Simply not ok.’
Solskjaer has not stepped again in to administration since his sacking by Man United two-and-a-half years in the past.
His most up-to-date position has been working as a technical observer for UEFA, producing tactical studies from Champions League matches for the governing physique.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was talking on the Stick with Soccer podcast, delivered to you by Sky Wager.
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