Manchester United lost 4-2 in Leicester in one of the most spectacular games of the season so far. Leicester ended United’s series of 29 away games without defeat. Cristiano Ronaldo played the whole game for the Red Devils and wasted a huge chance in the second half.
Despite mounting pressure on manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the Norwegian’s job is still safe. The Athletic claim Solskjaer has the board’s support, despite Manchester United not winning any of their last three Premier League games.
A terrible run awaits United in the next rounds. Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea, Tottenham, and Arsenal are all among the opponents Manchester United will meet in the next nine rounds.
Solskjaer, a Champions League winner for United as a player, joined the club as their caretaker manager in December 2018. His role was made permanent a few months later. In July this year, he signed a new three-year contract at Old Trafford, with the option for another year.
Solskjaer: ‘We conceded poor goals’
Talking to the media after the game, Solskjaer accepted United’s form has been far from expected, as he also took the blame for his team selection.
“The four goals we conceded were poor. We didn’t deserve to continue the unbeaten run based on how we played,” Solskjaer said.
“I pick the team. Harry Maguire showed no reaction and I hold my hand up if that does not work out. If we concede four, I probably made a bad decision,” Solskjaer commented.
“Lately we have not been in great form, lost too many points and that is something we have to look at. We might have to change, do we need more legs in there? What do we need?,” Solskjaer asked.
“I have got many good players. I am not making excuses for the team I put out there, they are top footballers and we have not produced,” the Norwegian added, also saying the team missed Fred and Edinson Cavani who were unavailable for the trip to Leicester.
Manchester United took a 10-minute flight to Leicester, blaming traffic for their decision
United only had to travel just 100 miles to Leicester’s King Power stadium but the club surprisingly opted for a private jet instead of a short bus drive. The M6 Motorway was closed on Friday, with United not being able to find another option so they would avoid flying.
The club informed that the private flight was the only feasible method of making it to Leicester as scheduled one day before the match. United assured their commitment to clean energy remained strong.
Manchester United sit fifth in the Premier League, with 14 points from eight games. Chelsea is leading the pack with 19 points.
United host Atalanta on Wednesday in the Champions League.