Solskjaer: Man Utd took ‘big step backwards’

Wolverhampton: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has described Manchester United’s FA Cup exit to Wolves as a “big step backwards.”

The Norwegian said his team’s performance in the 2-1 defeat at Molineux was the “poorest” of his time in charge at Old Trafford as United slumped to back-to-back defeats for the first time since Jose Mourinho’s final two games as manager.

“It was the poorest performance we’ve had,” said Solskjaer. “We never had the urgency and the quality on the ball. The tempo on the ball wasn’t high enough. Not enough quality.

“It’s a big step backwards, I’ve got to say. It’s the poorest performance since I’ve come here. It’s very disappointing that we’re not in the semis.

“We got what we deserved.” Second-half goals from Raul Jimenez and Diogo Jota booked Wolves’ place in the semifinals after Marcus Rashford’s stoppagetime consolation had come far too late. The hosts added United’s name to a list of cup conquests that also includes Liverpool and Solskjaer admitted to being impressed by Wolves, who have already recorded a creditable draw at Old Trafford this season. “It’s something natural, you cannot perform to the top of your levels every single time,” said Solskjaer.

“This is the poorest we’ve played, but against a good team. Don’t take anything away from their performance even though we under-performed.”

Solskjaer will have two weeks to mull over the performance while a number of his players head off to join their national teams.

FA Cup results: Watford 2-1 Crystal Palace, Wolves 2-1 Man Utd, Swansea City 2-3 Man City