Solskjaer sends stern warning to ‘nice’ Man United players

Man United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer [Courtesy]

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has sent a warning to his 'nice' Manchester United players after their loss to Sheffield United at Old Trafford.

It comes after a shock loss that saw Manchester City take the initiative in the Premier League title race.

Kean Bryan and Oliver Burke inflicted an embarrassing defeat on the Red Devils.

The result comes after they had been touted as title favourites after going top of the league.

But City have overtaken them and sit four points clear - with a game in hand over their local rivals.

However, there was some controversy after question marks were raised over both Sheffield United's first goal and Anthony Martial's effort that was ruled out.

And Solskjaer has said that his players were too nice to kick up a fuss while also insisting the referee made a mistake.

“I think whenever a team feels unfairly treated there will be a reaction but human error is.. I have no problem with human error. Absolutely no problem.

Soccer Football - Premier League - Arsenal v Manchester United - Emirates Stadium, London, Britain - January 30, 2021 Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer [Pool via REUTERS/Andy Rain ]

"And I understand why the decisions were made. Unfortunately, they went against us and they were wrong.

"That’s football for you but that’s maybe what VAR should have been in for. Maybe we should have made more of a fuss about it.

“We are a bunch of nice lads. Maybe we should have really hung on to that or made them look at it before the game started again.

"So those are things that we have to learn from and use as motivation or energy.

"You are not going to expect to get anything for free.”

United followed up their loss with a 0-0 draw against Arsenal at the Emirates as they failed to beat a traditional 'Top Six' yet again.

In fact, they have scored just once against the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham and City this season in the Premier League.

And that was a penalty in their 6-1 mauling at the hands of Spurs earlier in the campaign.

The Red Devils are back in action tonight when they face Southampton in what is now a crucial clash at Old Trafford.