Solskjaer on Alexis Sanchez: Manchester United suffered a tragic 2-0 loss to PSG in the first leg of the round-of-16 tie.
Manchester United suffered their first defeat under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as PSG cruised to a 2-0 win at Old Trafford.
Presnal Kimbembe and Kylian Mbappe were on target for the visitors as Manchester United could hardly match the Parisians’ level on the night.
A red card for midfielder Paul Pogba further marred the evening for United fans. The player is now ruled out for the second leg of the tie at Parc de Princes. The referee was criticised for his inconsistent refereeing following the red card.
Manchester United never looked like making a comeback in the game and Alexis Sanchez produced one of his most disappointing performances since joining the side in January last year. Solskjaer’s post-match comments hint at a worrying situation for the Chilean winger.
Solskjaer on Alexis Sanchez:
The Norweigan manager seemed to have given up on Alexis Sanchez as he talked about his performance after the game at Old Trafford
“I can’t do anything about Alexis Sanchez,” Solskjaer said. “When he plays he needs to find himself because we know there’s a quality player there.”
Solskjaer says Sanchez “needs to find himself” – effectively putting the onus firmly on the player. Also admits there aren’t the options in reserve to play the way he wants & may have to look at a different way if Lingard/Martial face a spell out #mufc https://t.co/zuYEIvCwmW
— James Ducker (@TelegraphDucker) February 13, 2019
Manchester United player Alexis Sanchez warned by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer over dismal form #mufc https://t.co/JneSrgKQDY
— Man United News (@ManUtdMEN) February 12, 2019
The Chilean winger made 15 passes since coming on as a substitute for Jesse Lingard at halftime. This was his only stat in the game where the number was above 0.
Solskjaer also admitted that the side was not at the level of the opposition for the game, but insisted that the loss served as a reality check.
“We weren’t at the level. This is a level up from what we have played against with the games we’ve had.
“We’ve had a great run, we came into this game in a great frame of mind, great form but of course it was a big step up, they have quality from the keeper to the striker.
“There is a reason behind them being one of the favourites for the Champions League. That’s the level we need to aim for at this club.
Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said he cannot do anything about Alexis Sanchez, the player is struggling at the team and he has challenged him to get back in his best form. pic.twitter.com/p9KN1uVg5O
— BVITY (@BVITYMediaGroup) February 13, 2019
“Of course it’s a reality check. The top four is one thing but we want to be at the top and Manchester United should be at the top.
“This is a top, top team that we played against. Our players are disappointed after the game, of course, but I also think they know that we need to step up our level to get to the level that we want to get to.”
