Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looks dejected after the match against Leicester City at the King Power Stadium, Leicester October 16, 2021. — Reuters pic
LONDON, Oct 17 — Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer took the blame for another lacklustre Premier League performance which saw them crash to a 4-2 defeat at Leicester City and stretch their winless league run to three games.
Solskjaer, who has recently come under intense criticism from droves of United fans on social media, questioned his own team selection against the Foxes as United fell apart after taking the lead and then briefly levelling at 2-2.
The result also ended United’s 29-game unbeaten away run in the league, raising doubts over their ability to challenge for their first league title since 2013, the last under the helm of trophy-laden Alex Ferguson.
“When you look at the game, the four goals we conceded were poor,” Solskjaer told Sky Sports. “The way we played, we don’t deserve to continue that unbeaten away run.
“I pick the team, Harry Maguire showed no reaction (to his injury) and I hold my hand up if that does not work out. I probably made a couple of bad decisions.
“Lately we’ve 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?”
Maguire, who suffered a calf injury in a 1-0 home defeat by Aston Villa last month, was initially ruled out of the Leicester clash but having returned to the side he was one of United’s poorest performers.
Cristiano Ronaldo looked subdued and off the pace up front while another summer signing, Jadon Sancho, again failed to make an impact on the left flank and made way for Marcus Rashford midway through the second half.
Ironically, it was Rashford who left the best impression during his cameo appearance, his first of the season after undergoing shoulder surgery in August as he rifled in a superb equaliser to make it 2-2 in the 82nd minute.
But United fell apart in the closing stages as their sloppy defending cost them again and Solskjaer conceded Leicester’s comeback win was the only right outcome.
“I am not making excuses for the team I put out there, they are top footballers and we haven’t produced,” he said. “The performance was not good enough, two goals from set pieces is disappointing.
“The one positive was Marcus coming back in. He’s got legs and is sharp so that’s a big bonus.” — Reuters