SOLSKJAER BEMOANS UNITED MISTAKES
Red Devils’ top-four hopes take a blow after defeat to Wolves
OLE Gunnar Solskjaer admitted Manchester United have no room for error in their topfour quest after conceding they blew it at Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Chris Smalling’s own goal condemned 10-man United to a 2-1 defeat — their third in four games — as they missed the chance to climb back into the Champions League spots.
Scott McTominay’s first United goal put the visitors ahead but
Fred’s mistake allowed Diogo Jota to level in the first half and
Ashley Young was sent off midway through the second half for two bookings in five minutes. United remain fifth, but their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League via a top-four finish will be further dented if Tottenham and Chelsea win late yesterday’s matches.
Solskjaer bemoaned his side’s mistakes by congratulated Nuno Espirito Santo’s side for capitalising when it mattered.
Solskjaer said: “It was one of those days where we’ve done more than enough to score three or four goals. Some great chances and some fantastic saves by the (Wolves) keeper.
“Of course they deserve credit because they’ve scored the goals and pounced on our mistakes. I thought the lads played well today — we created chances, with 10 men as well, they scored with their first chance after the sending off.
“That’s about 25 minutes after the sending off but the boys have done exactly what they should have done. But we conceded goals, sloppy mistakes and didn’t score ourselves.”
Solskjaer believes United, who face Barcelona in their Champions League quarter-final first leg next week, now need to win the majority of their games to secure Champions League football next season.
“I said we needed 15 points from the last seven games (to make the top four), we now need 15 in the last six, so we don’t have room for many more losses.
“We are a very good team, so it’ll be difficult for anyone playing against us. Our performance deserved the win.
“We created our own downfall. It was a very good performance until they scored their second goal.
“But for their keeper we should have won. We created enough chances to win the game so I don’t think there’s any ‘resetting’ (after his fast start as United manager).”
Solskjaer, meanwhile, has no concerns over Paul Pogba’s recent struggles for United.
The midfielder was one of the standout players of Solskjaer’s early period in charge of United amid a return to goalscoring form but has failed to net in the last seven games.
It comes in contrast to his run of nine goals during the Norwegian’s first 12 games in the United dugout.
“To do it twice against such an amazing team … I’m pleased for the fans and the boys,” said Wolves’ jubilant coach Santo who celebrated with the crowd, pumping his fist, at the end.
Wolves, who came up from the Championship last year, are seventh in the Premier League on 47 points, a dream position for their fans.