Tag Archives: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

Jose Mourinho reveals what he told his players before defeat at Old Trafford

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Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho has revealed what he told his players at Old Trafford, stating that they should not to be fooled by Manchester United’s poor form after his old club failed to beat Bournemouth, Sheffield United and Aston Villa in recent weeks.

But after scoring in a 2-1 defeat at Old Trafford, Alli admitted they failed to heed their manager’s warning.

Mourinho confirmed that he had warned his players what to expect, drawing on his experience of United playing better against the bigger teams because they can counter-attack.

“I tried to fight exactly that state of mind,” he said.

“I tried to tell them exactly the way United approach these matches at home – against Liverpool, against Chelsea, always the strong start with people running, pressing, trying to lift the morale of the supporters.

“Normally they come from bad results against smaller teams so when they face the big teams people think it’s going to be more difficult for them. It’s not more difficult for them because the responsibilities change and they feel comfortable in this style of play.

“We have to blame ourselves. I think United must obviously be happy with the points, and overall they deserved it.”

Sportsmail reports that the former United boss went into the home dressing-room after the game and congratulated his successor Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

“No problem, what’s the problem?” said Mourinho. “I have nothing against him, I think he has nothing against me. Why should we have any kind of problem?”

Photo Credit: premierleague.com

Manchester United prime target’s father spotted at Red Devils’ training ground as Solskjaer puts pressure on club

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Reports in England claim Manchester United target Erling Braut Haaland’s father has been seen at the club’s training ground at Carrington as the Red Devils ramp up their pursuit of the in-demand Red Bull Salzburg striker.

The 19-year-old forward is attracting attention from some of Europe’s biggest clubs after a brilliant start to the new season, scoring an astonishing 26 goals in 18 games in all competitions.

While the level in Austria might leave a little to be desired, Haaland has scored seven of his goals in the Champions League – including a strike at Anfield.

United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer knows all about Haaland from their time together at Molde and, according to reports in Norway, has tasked the club with securing one of the hottest young talents in Europe.

Salzburg, though, will demand a massive fee for the teenager – who has five hat-tricks this season – and United could consider doing a deal in January and then loaning Haaland back to the club for the rest of the season, report the Metro.

Now The Athletic’s David Ornstein has added more weight to the speculation, reporting that Haaland’s father, Alf-Inge, has visited United’s training ground.

The 46-year-old, who has previously rubbished suggestions his own ties to Manchester City could affect his son’s next move, was spotted at Carrington, suggesting United are already rolling out the red carpet.

Any deal could be complicated by Haaland’s agent, Mino Raiola, who has a rather fractious relationship with United once again as Paul Pogba continues to stall over a new contract.

Alf-Inge famously clashed with Roy Keane during his playing days and was on the receiving end of a brutal challenge from the United midfielder, though has nevertheless talked up interest from the Red Devils.

Speaking to TV2 in September, he said: “It would be nice [interest from United and others]. It is important to distinguish between being a supporter and a job. So, I have a very relaxed relationship. It’s a little different when it’s serious.”

Photo Credit: premierleague.com

Solskjaer changes his mind over Paul Pogba move, tells Manchester United his latest decision on midfielder

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Reports in England state that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has told Manchester United bosses he wants to sell Paul Pogba as Real Madrid and Juventus intensify efforts to sign the Old Trafford club’s midfielder.

The former Old Lady’s star has been heavily linked with a move to the Santiago Bernabeu and Turin club. He recently admitted that he was looking for a ‘new challenge’ .

According to the Metro, Solskjaer want to offload the Frenchman so he can reinvest the funds in improving his squad.

United have maintained that Pogba is not for sale and it would take an enormous offer to change that stance, but the Daily Star claim Solskjaer is ready to sanction a move.

The Red Devils have only given Solskjaer a summer transfer kitty of £100million to spend after failing to qualify for the Champions League, meaning they have just £27m left once Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s move is finalised.

But Solskjaer knows his rebuild will cost far more than that, with a centre-back, defensive midfielder and playmaker all on his agenda, and is ready to sacrifice Pogba to bolster the funds available to him.

United will demand in excess of £140m for Pogba, all of which will be given to Solskjaer to continue his summer rebuild, while they also hope to raise funds from the sales of players like Romelu Lukaku and Matteo Darmian.

Solskjaer’s modest budget has seen United pull out of the running for the likes of Jadon Sancho and Kalidou Koulibaly, while they fear being blow out of the water by rivals City in the race for Harry Maguire.