Welsh victory boosts Irish

OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER insists that Manchester United could never wait 29 years for a Premier League title like bitter rivals Liverpool. In a mocking attack on the Merseysiders, United’s caretaker-manager (left) said that Anfield’s agonising wait for the championship would be unthinkable at Old Trafford. And as the 20-time champions look to land a victory that would stop Jurgen Klopp’s team moving back above Manchester City at the top of the table, Solskjaer claimed United will never be satisfied with just finishing in the top four. He said: “Liverpool are feeling the pressure as only five or six clubs have

MANCHESTER UNITED’S players turned down an invitation to the Brit Awards this week to ensure no distractions ahead of today’s clash with Liverpool.

Sunday Mirror Sport understands several United stars – including Jesse Lingard, Marcus Rashford and Paul Pogba – were invited to London’s O2 to honour the cream of the country’s music industry.

Liverpool duo Daniel Sturridge (above) and Alex Oxlade-chamberlain did go, but United’s players opted not to after being reminded by stand-in boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer that their responsibilities stretch beyond the pitch. Solskjaer believes Pogba (above) has been rejuvenated by his decision to limit his presence on social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram. The Frenchman has also just become a father for the first time. Solskjaer said: “I haven’t said anything to Paul about it (social media), but I have talked to the whole team about expectations, standards and what I expect from them. “Paul has always been a larger-than-life character, but sometimes he hasn’t done himself any favours.

“You don’t want to give anyone an excuse, really, so, of course, you don’t go to the Brit Awards.”

Some United players were criticised for failing to prepare properly for the trip to Anfield in December and Pogba was left on the bench by former boss Jose Mourinho in a 3-1 defeat.

Solskjaer said: “We know leading up to the last game against Liverpool that there were stories about players not being focused.

“But we know they are focused, we know they are doing their best.

“But Paul does help himself by toning it down.”