We’re too147 open says Ole ... as he leans on Fergie
MANCHESTER UNITED are working overtime on their defence against Liverpool today with one of Sir Alex Ferguson’s famous mantras ringing in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s ears.
United face Jurgen Klopp’s unbeaten side at Old Trafford having conceded six times in their last two matches and kept just one clean sheet this season, against Wolves in August.
Solskjaer admits it is a huge concern and insists tightening up is a priority if United aren’t to fall seven points behind their rivals this afternoon. United were beaten 4-2 at Leicester last weekend and then had to fight from 2-0 down to beat Atalanta in the Champions League on Wednesday night.
‘We know that we were too open against Leicester, too easy to cut through,’ said Solskjaer. ‘We’ve conceded some bad counter attack chances and set-play goals lately and that’s something we work on and have to put right.
‘The funny thing is that this season we’ve had more players behind the ball than last season but we’ve been easier to play through.’
Solskjaer says his players recognise the problem and he’s using some of Ferguson’s old team talks to try to put it right.
‘When Sir Alex gave his team talks, he mentioned concentration in every one,’ revealed Solskjaer.
‘He always said you have to play with concentration. That’s 90-plus minutes in every game, every few days. That’s just your standard, that’s what it’s come to in football.
‘We have conceded goals that we could have avoided, definitely. We are working to get better, the boys agree on what we have to do and they’re giving their best.
‘Sometimes, like against Atalanta, they have two chances and score two goals. But every team will create decent chances against you and we have to focus. If you give them ones through lack of concentration, that’s not good enough.
‘We’re competing at such a high level that if you switch off for a split second you will be punished. That’s the difference between this level and the one below — focus and concentration.
‘It’s about being on the front foot, aggressive, winning your tackles. We showed a lot of that character and belief on Wednesday night.’
United were beaten 4-2 by Liverpool on Klopp’s last visit to Old Trafford when they paired Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly at centre-half. This time skipper Harry Maguire is available, though there are fitness doubts over Bruno Fernandes, Fred and Marcus Rashford.
An added significance to the fixture is that Liverpool are aiming to level United’s all-time record of 20 league titles this season.
‘It’s a massive rivalry because of the history of the two clubs and the number of trophies we have won,’ added the United boss. ‘You have to hold your hands up and say they are a very good club and a very good team. And you have to make sure you’re better than them.’ Jadon Sancho will hope to start only his fourth Premier League game after a slow beginning following a £73million move from Borussia Dortmund.
‘I’m looking forward to see him blossom, because he will,’ said Solskjaer. ‘He’s had moments with us that had the crowd on the edge of their seats. Can he add the next bit? Yes, I’m sure, and he will do.
‘I expect us to improve in the next few months. Cristiano (Ronaldo) has been here for a month, Jadon has been here for two months, Marcus is just coming back. Edinson (Cavani) had a longer run-up to when he could join us.
‘It is exciting to have these types of players to work with. Then it is about finding the balance. Edinson and Cristiano are two of the best box players in world football and you’ve got exciting wingers and goalscorers.’
The last United-Liverpool fixture was delayed for 11 days when thousands of anti-Glazer protestors managed to get on to the Old Trafford pitch.
There were social media posts from fans earlier in the week urging a repeat this afternoon, while the club and Greater Manchester Police have drawn up plans to avoid disruption. Yet the win against Atalanta has reduced the threat of a mass protest.