OLE’S PLASTIC RAP
Solskjaer says Alkmaar’s pitch is ‘worst in a long while’
OLE Gunnar Solskjaer has criticised the plastic pitch for Manchester united’s clash with AZ alkmaar, describing it as ‘one of the worst I’ve seen for a long while’.
The Europa League tie is being played today at the ADO Stadium in The Hague after a section of the roof collapsed at alkmaar’s ground in august.
But Solskjaer is not impressed by the hard artificial surface compared to those he has experienced at home in norway.
‘I’m surprised that in this climate you have to use astroturf,’ said the united boss, who admitted it is unlikely he would have risked playing Paul Pogba on it even if the Frenchman had not stayed in Manchester to rest an ankle injury.
‘OK, when you live in the north Pole like we more or less do in norway you can’t play on grass in March, november or December, but here I’m surprised.
‘If I was running a club down here I wouldn’t have an astroturf pitch, let’s put it that way. I’m used to astroturf pitches in norway and it’s not the best I’ve seen. It’s one of the worst I’ve seen for a long while. I’m surprised they’ve chosen to play on this pitch when I look at it.
‘Back home in norway they are all modern and new. This pitch is safe, I’m not saying that — it’s just not the newest. The grass is just on the floor, so on the carpet more or less. You can get the grass to stand and it’s more bouncy, but it seems like it’s been used a lot.
‘It is what it is and it’s the same for both teams. There’s a different style of football when you have to play on astroturf. Parts of the game will become different.’
Pogba stayed at home when united flew to Holland yesterday after making his comeback from injury in the Carabao Cup win over rochdale and Monday’s drab draw with arsenal.
Solskjaer added: ‘ after discussions with the specialists we planned that he needs further treatment on his ankle. I probably wouldn’t risk him on astroturf anyway if he was available, but he needs a rest now.’
The united boss is expected to play several youngsters in this competition again as he looks to build on an unconvincing win over astana. alkmaar drew their group opener at Partizan Belgrade.
united have not won away in nine games since the stunning Champions League victory over Paris Saint-Germain in March, but Solskjaer said: ‘ You keep talking about concerns. We are a good team and the last few games, we’re a good team to counter-attack. We’ve played some very good away games as well.’
MANCHESTER UNITED (4-2-3-1): Romero; Dalot, Tuanzebe, Rojo, Williams; Fred, Matic; Mata, Lingard, James; Greenwood. TV: LIVE on BT Sport 2, ko 5.55pm