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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer Hits Back At Robin Van Persie Criticism

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer Hits Back At Robin Van Persie Criticism

The Manchester United manager wasn't happy with the man who took his number at Old Trafford's comments about his body language.

Ryan Sidle

Ryan Sidle

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer isn't happy with former Manchester United striker Robin van Persie, after the BT Sport pundit criticised the manager for smiling after the defeat to Arsenal.

United lost 2-0 to potential top four rivals Arsenal on New Year's Day, putting in a very poor performance, and Van Persie claimed on tv that he'd like to see Solskjaer be 'bit more mean at times, just be angry.'

In his press conference ahead of the side's FA Cup game against Wolves on Saturday the manager hit back saying, "I don't know Robin and Robin doesn't know me," Solskjaer told the waiting press.

"He probably doesn't have a right to criticise my management style and I won't change.

"Yeah Robin, he took my [shirt] number 20 and that's probably all he's going to take from me as well."

Solskjaer famously wore the number 20 shirt during his 11 year playing career at Old Trafford, where he won six Premier League titles, two FA Cups and the Champions League, scoring the winning goal in injury time to secure the treble.

The shirt was won by Brazilian full back Fabio for four years before Van Persie was signed from Arsenal in 2012 with the Dutchman scoring 26 league goals in his debut season to help secure the club's 20th title.

Van Persie strikes to secure United's last title. Image: PA Images
Van Persie strikes to secure United's last title. Image: PA Images

Following the game on Wednesday Van Persie was annoyed at the Red Devils' manager's post match interview, saying, "When I listen to Ole, he sounds like a really nice guy. I would like to see him a bit more mean at times, just be angry.

"I see him smiling now after a game like that. This is not the moment to smile."

Pepe scores his side's opener. Image: PA Images
Pepe scores his side's opener. Image: PA Images

Goals for Nicolas Pepe and Sokratis in the first half put Mikel Arteta's side ahead at the break and United never looked like getting back into the game.

Despite Chelsea dropping points for the third time in five games Solskjaer's team failed to close the gap on the top four, something former Gunners and United striker Van Persie blamed the manager for, "They need a game plan and a bit of fear for the coach," he told BT Sport. "You know if you don't make those runs or make that pass, you will be punished and you won't play the next game."

United's next game is also on BT Sport as they look to progress from the third round of the FA Cup but they have failed to win their last four games against opponents Wolves.

Nuno Espirito Santo has been victorious twice against Solskjaer's team, including in last season's FA Cup quarter final.

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Topics: Football News, Manchester United, Robin van Persie, Premier League, FA Cup, Arsenal, Wolves, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Mikel Arteta, BT Sport