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'This isn't how it should be' - Solskjaer speaks out against racist abuse

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has spoken out against the racist abuse directed t...
Shane Hannon
Shane Hannon

12.56 11 Dec 2019


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'This isn't how it should be'...

'This isn't how it should be' - Solskjaer speaks out against racist abuse

Shane Hannon
Shane Hannon

12.56 11 Dec 2019


Share this article


Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has spoken out against the racist abuse directed toward his players during Saturday's derby win.

The Norwegian's side saw off Manchester City 2-1 at the Etihad through goals from Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial.

Midfielders Fred and Jesse Lingard were subjected to alleged racist chanting during the second half of the game.

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A 41-year-old man was arrested on Sunday in connection with the allegations, before being bailed pending further investigations.

Speaking at a press conference today ahead of tomorrow night's final Europa League tie at home to AZ Alkmaar, Solskjaer said it's been a rough experience for his players.

"This isn’t how it should be in football. What we can do is go out onto the pitch and it’s been a tough couple of days for Jesse and Fred but we have to help the other people understand their behaviour."

United have already progressed to the last-32 of the tournament, and Solskjaer gave an injury update on his squad.

"Diogo [Dalot] is back training fully. Nemanja [Matic] is back. [Marcos] Rojo is hopefully back next week. Eric [Bailly] and Timothy [Fosu-Mensah] are training with the team from next week onwards.

"We're getting better and better in that respect. In January, I reckon we will have many of them match fit."

Jesse Lingard sat out today's open training session, after picking up a knock in the Manchester derby win.

Paul Pogba has not played for United since suffering an ankle injury in the draw with Arsenal in September, and the United manager revealed this game will also come too soon for the French star.

"The AZ game will come too soon for Paul Pogba, who is still recovering from an ankle problem. Paul is not ready to play but won't be far away.

"Let’s get him fit and back in form. He will play loads of games. He’s one of the best players in the world and we’re looking forward to having him back."

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (left) and Paul Pogba during the Carabao Cup, Third Round match at Old Trafford, Manchester.

Solskjaer also spoke about the need for consistency from his team, after big recent wins over City and José Mourinho's Spurs.

"Of course consistency is vital if you want to win trophies. This young team need to learn how to put performances when they don’t feel great.

"You don’t feel great every time you go on the pitch. We’ve had some games when we’ve not been able to perform as well as we like but that’s a learning curve and the young boys will improve over the next couple of years and hopefully the rest of the season.

"We’ve come through a sticky patch in terms of injuries and form."

After tomorrow night's game, United play host to Everton in the Premier League this Sunday.

They currently sit fifth in the table, with 24 points from their opening sixteen games.


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