Solskjaer to fans: I’m sorry
It doesn’t get any easier for United, who play Premier League leaders Liverpool in their first match after the international break.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer apologised to Manchester United fans after Sunday’s 1-0 defeat to Newcastle – and admitted his side face a fight to finish in the top six
The Norwegian delivered a frank assessment of his side’s woeful start to the season, which sees them head into the international break just two points from the relegation zone after losing 1-0 at St James’ Park. Solskjaer has previously tried to strike an optimistic tone, despite United’s troubles, but couldn’t hide his disappointment with his misfiring team – insisting he needs to ‘sort their heads out.’
It’s now five wins in 23 games for the United manager, who revealed his concerns for the season.
“We have given ourselves a very, very tough task to get into top four, let alone the top six, and we need results straight away,” he said.
“We’re unhappy with the results and results bring out the mood of everyone.
“I’ve got to say sorry to the fans that we’re not winning games, but that’s down to a rebuild and this is not a similar situation to Everton last year when I felt people had given up. These boys give everything for the shirt.
“Luckily for us it’s now the international break.
“We get time to evaluate what’s gone on over these eight games. “We will sit down, hopefully we’ll get a few players back. It’s my responsibility. I need to sort their heads out.
“Young boys lacking confidence - they need some help from experienced players and staff.”
It doesn’t get any easier for United, who play Premier League leaders Liverpool in their first match after the international break.
Solskjaer’s insists they cannot afford a repeat of Newcastle, who secured victory through Matty Longstaff ’s 72nd-minute strike. “It was very symptomatic of where we are at the moment,” he said.
“It’s disappointing. We don’t create enough chances to deserve to win a game of football and that’s the short version.
“The first half, I couldn’t see that one coming before the game. It was such a disappointing performance.
“The ball was like a hot potato and bouncing off our feet. “The second half was better, but you could still see a couple of counter attacks coming before the goal.
“We tried to organise the team and the attitude is fantastic to get back.
“We had seven players in the box, but we didn’t defend well enough.”