Ole Gunnar Solskjaer Blames Back-To-Back League Defeats On Manchester United Fan Protests

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer believes the anti-Glazer fan protests at Manchester United have negatively affected the players.

Solskjaer's side suffered back-to-back Premier League defeats to Leicester City and Liverpool last week.

Man United played the two league matches in the space of three days as a result of the Liverpool fixture being postponed due to demonstrations against the club's American owners at Old Trafford.

Image: PA

Image: PA

There were further disruptions in the rearranged meeting with the Red Devils eventually losing 4-2 to Jurgen Klopp's team.

And speaking ahead of Man United's game against Fulham, the Norwegian appeared to admit the fan protests was partly to blame for the consecutive losses.

He said: "I just didn't want to use it as an excuse because we lost two games, but surely it's reason behind the performances

"Physically it's impossible to turn up and play at the intensity and the level that's required because of the amount of games, then you look at the preparation in between: we haven't had the recovery, the same routine as you normally do, we haven't done the tactical prep in the same ways.

"I'm not saying it didn't affect them but I was impressed with how professional they were and how they went about it.

"None of them complained and that's one of the big things for me, we never complain we just look at what we can do and how could we maximise the situation. We tried to do that but we couldn't get the results.

"I think the mood in any club and the relationship between the team and the fans is vital to what happens on the pitch. We're all human beings and we will react to getting our supporters back in a positive way."

Image: PA

Image: PA

Man United will welcome back 10,000 supporters back to Old Trafford for Tuesday's match.

Solskjaer is hoping the game runs smoothly and without any violence.

He added: "Since the last time we've had fans in against Man City - it was the best atmosphere I've ever felt it at Old Trafford in a league game - the next time we can welcome the fans back in we need to make sure it's a positive one

"We've been waiting for a long, long time to welcome the fans back. Of course, the last couple of home games, especially the Liverpool ones with the protests, it's never nice to see a club that is not united.

"So, we're hoping Tuesday is going to be a positive day that we move together, that we play a good game of football. That's my job to prepare the team to play well and that they enjoy the day because that's important that we get back and enjoy being together.

"Of course, you hope that the game against Fulham will not be marred by any violence or over-the-top things.

"I know the Manchester United fans, they're the best fans I've had and I've got such a great relationship with them. They know how to support the team so I don't expect any of the fans coming here making any trouble."

Topics: Liverpool, Football News, Leicester City, Football, Manchester United, Premier League, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

Nasir Jabbar

Nasir Jabbar is a journalist at SPORTbible. He graduated from Bath Spa University with a BA in Media Communications. He's a combat sport aficionado, and has contributed to MMA websites AddictedMMA and CagePotato. Nasir has covered some of the biggest fights, while interviewing the likes of Conor McGregor, Darren Till, Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. He's also an avid Bristol City fan.

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