Solksjaer has stated that United players now have to keep the loss behind them and look ahead for the next match. He has said that now United needs to make a statement against Manchester City on Saturday in the blockbuster Premier League clash.
Manchester United crashed out of the UEFA Champions League and didn’t make it through to the round of 16 after a disappointing 2-3 defeat against the Germans. This has hit the team hard and everyone can feel that the dressing room will be shattered by that defeat. United won the first two matches against PSG and Leipzig itself and thrashed the Germans 5-0. Many predicted United to top the group as they just needed a win and a draw from the last four games.
But remarkably United crashed out so badly, gaining just one win from the last four matches. They are now subjected to play in the Europa League. PSG and Leipzig made it through and this would be hard to digest for the team.
Solksjaer knows that now the team needs backing for the next match. They need to show their character and provide good results against Man city.
He said: “Of course, it’s a flat dressing room, then again, the next game is Man City on Saturday. So we have to pick ourselves up. We, as coaches, need to pick ourselves up and that’s the name of this game, the nature of this game. You want something to lift their spirits because it’s not easy. Going out of this tournament is very disappointing. It’s a hard knock to everything. I understand that, but I’m pretty sure we’ll be ready for Saturday again. You’ve just got to go and feel sorry for yourself for a few minutes tonight and then we’ve got to focus on Saturday. The boys have a massive game on Saturday and that’s the one they’ve got to look forward to and I’m going to look forward.”
It will surely be a time for redemption for Manchester United and a derby win will boost some confidence in the team. City will be tough opponents but United should now play with full freedom and nothing to lose now. Maybe a change in formation is also expected by Solksjaer and if possible few key players can also come back from the injury to give some selection headache for Solksjaer.
Cavani and Martial will be assessed again so that they will be fit for the derby.
Fans need something to cheer about and a derby win will atleast do some good for everyone.
