United ‘must show they have learned’
OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER has challenged his Manchester United players to prove they have learned their lesson from the Liverpool hammering when they face up to City in the derby.
United’s manager was pushed to the brink of the sack by the 5-0 drubbing at Old Trafford 13 days ago. And while there have been signs of recovery on the road since with victory at Tottenham and a draw in the Champions League against Atalanta, Solskjaer insists today at home in front of United’s own fans is the litmus test of whether there has been meaningful change.
“This will show if we have learned enough because we have moved on from it, we have taken the flak which we deserved because it was nowhere near good enough,” he said.
“We have had a good week with two good away results but now we have to play another very good team and it’s up to us to show that we have learned. There is no point me talking about how much we have learned, we have to show it and that is the game in football.
“There’s too many that talk a good game. We will have to play a good game.” United will have to do so without Raphael Varane following the defender’s hamstring injury sustained in Tuesday’s clash against Atalanta.
It is an injury which is likely to rule the France international out for “four to five weeks” according to Solskjaer who admitted it was “a blow”. In his absence Solskjaer is hoping Victor Lindelof passes a late fitness test which would give him the option of a three-man back line with Harry Maguire, below, and Eric Bailly. However the cards fall for Solskjaer he admitted he needs big performances from big players such as Maguire and Luke Shaw who he conceded are experiencing dips in form following the European Championships.
“I wasn’t surprised by both boys’ admission that they have not been in their best form but that will come,” he said. “They are good boys who are working hard. They want to do well for the team and I am sure that they will be turning the headlines very soon.”
A victory would tip the balance in the personal battle between Solskjaer and Pep Guardiola. The United manager, who has four wins from his eight meetings with his counterpart, would also see his side pull level with City on points.
It would be some turnaround from the gloom and doom 13 days ago.