Solskjær press conference vs Sheffield (H)

[Samid]

Solskjaer press conference
United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has arrived ahead of a press conference via Zoom this morning.

 

[Samid]

Solskjaer on McTominay's long-term contract
"Scott has done tremendously well since I joined and has been a vital part of our midfield. He brings determination, tenacity and skill to the game and we know that Scott’s attributes will be a major asset to the squad over the coming years.

As we always say the academy is the bedrock of the club and having come through the system everyone knows that Scott has shown the exact mentality that you need to succeed at Manchester United. I look forward to seeing his continued improvement in the years to come.”

 

[Samid]

More on McTominay's new deal
"He’s been a part of the club for so long Scotty, and of course we’re delighted he sees his future here, immediate and long term.

It’s five years, 2025 plus an option and Scotty has been developing so much over the last few years. I watched him before I came in and I was excited to come in and work with him. He’s such a humble and hard working boy with the Man United DNA.

He knows what it takes to go through the ranks and he’s a leader on the pitch. Very, very happy to come together and work towards winning trophies together.”

 

[Samid]

On Dean Henderson extending until the end of the season
I would think so, I think the administration is paperwork and Dean’s had a fantastic season again as he had last year with Sheffield United and so far he’s proven the loan has worked out as we wanted.

It’s a different job to be playing for Sheffield United and for Manchester United, there are different, how do you say, he’s got different roles and for me the two years he’s had have been fantastic for his development, played with and against men, played in the Championship and plays now behind a team that play exciting football.

And the stats show he’s proved worthy of a few points with his saves. He’s learning all the time, he’s passionate keeper, he’s developing, he’s had good coaching there - and for me, one day he’ll be England No.1 and United No.1 and he needs to keep developing.”

 

[Samid]

Angel Gomes
Solskjaer says there’s no update on Angel Gomes’ future, amid contract talks.

 

[Samid]

Solskjaer issues defence of De Gea
David is the best goalkeeper in the world, he’s conceded two goals in the last seven he’s played for us, there are City, Chelsea, Tottenham, Everton, two goals in seven games, we’ve gone on a run and the two goals.

The Everton one is a freak one, this one he can’t save it, he makes great saves, wins games for us and he’s still the best goalkeeper the world. David is working really hard, he isn’t making errors you see time and time again. He’s working hard in training, I’m pleased with his work.

He’s been at United nine years now, next year is his 10th season. He’s had some fantastic seasons and I don’t think it’s a bad run if you concede two goals in seven games against the teams we’ve played. He’s made matchwinning saves, he saved a point for us against Tottenham with the save, mentally a very strong keeper but I speak to him every day, that’s fine.”

 

[Samid]

A good time to play the Blades?
"I don’t know Chris well but know him well enough, he’ll have his team fired up after a defeat to Newcastle and I’m sure he’s challenged his team to come to Old Trafford and prove what they’ve proven all season.

It’s great to play a game but there’s no better time now than before. For me I’m sure we will get a Sheffield United team that is fired up.”

 

[Samid]

Returning to Old Trafford?
"We love walking out at Old Trafford in front of our fans is an exceptional experience, but we have the urge to get back playing and winning games and we’ll go out there and put our best performance on, hopefully.”

 

[Samid]

Learn from 3-3 draw?
“We are developing all the time but we played against a very difficult opponent, in a difficult stadium, the fans were helping.

I think the first goal would be a foul if the fans weren’t there, but we had a 15 or 20 minute spell where we were exhilarating and showed what we were capable of. Hopefully we can get more of those penetration passes in behind.”

 

[Samid]

Easier without crowd?
“I’m not sure if easier is the right word, it’s a different way, a different mental challenge for the players. It might make some feel more at ease, some thrive at the enthusiasm of the passion and fans.

But as coaches we get messages across and opposition coaches can listen, it’s a different way. At home if you’re struggling, you get home fans on your back and struggle with that and relax a bit more but we will miss our fans.

I’ve not heard fans in the world be so supportive of their team, so for me it’s more difficult for us to play at Old Trafford with no fans than with fans, they’re so passionate.”

 

[RUCK4444]

Good to hear Ole list three things when talking about our form/approach over the past few games

He said...

*Penetration
*Quick Passing
*Runs in behind.

Exactly the three things I've been personally crying out for (as have many I'm sure.)

When we implement those three key aspects to our game we look to have the makings of a really good side and imo one that can challenge if we manage to bring in the likes of Sancho.

For those three things to click to their full potential retaining Pogba is of massive importance. Pogba and Bruno linking and pushing the ball forwards rather than sideways is the next step in our progression on the pitch. Without it we will stagnate or tread water for another year imo.
The two of them tick those first two boxes off, Penetration and quick passing.

Runs in behind is the third and most important for the coaches to work on. Paul and Bruno can make passes in their sleep and won't need a lot of coaching to do so, but if the youngsters up top aren't constantly moving and hungry to make run after run every game then Paul and Bruno will hold onto the ball and in turn will get flack from the fans for doing so.

Somebody who does make these runs is Mata, he has a footballing brain so it's no surprise but what we need is the forwards to be coached into this mindset. I think it's lost on Martial I really do, I hope he proves me wrong.

Anyway, good to hear Ole mention these three things IMO.

The latter (runs in behind) is the trigger for the former. This is key to get across to the forwards, sometimes it feels as if they think it's the other way around.
I've mentioned in another thread that I think we've improved somewhat in this respect but I'm glad Ole mentioned it because it's pivotal in our progression.

 

[elmo]

He says a lot, actually achieving what he says is a different matter.

 

[Fosu-Mens]

Good to hear Ole list three things when talking about our form/approach over the past few games

He said...

*Penetration
*Quick Passing
*Runs in behind.

Exactly the three things I've been personally crying out for (as have many I'm sure.)

So he assumes Sheffield United will be pressing high? Or give us many chances to counter-attack? They will play it safe with long balls on McBurnie against Lindelof with Mousset maybe running in behind when we try to press high.

 

[Adam-Utd]

He says a lot, actually achieving what he says is a different matter.

At least he's trying to get the team to practice what they preach. We were on the front foot against Spurs all match.

Nothing like Jose who used to give it all the talk about attacking football then sit in our box all match.

 

[Gandalf Greyhame]

You will never have a bad presser from Ole. He's mastered the art of giving out a lot of positive signals without really saying anything.

Looking forward to the game, though. Any injury updates on Tuanzebe?

 

[tenpoless]

Solskjaer issues defence of De Gea
David is the best goalkeeper in the world, he’s conceded two goals in the last seven he’s played for us, there are City, Chelsea, Tottenham, Everton, two goals in seven games, we’ve gone on a run and the two goals.

The Everton one is a freak one, this one he can’t save it, he makes great saves, wins games for us and he’s still the best goalkeeper the world. David is working really hard, he isn’t making errors you see time and time again. He’s working hard in training, I’m pleased with his work.

He’s been at United nine years now, next year is his 10th season. He’s had some fantastic seasons and I don’t think it’s a bad run if you concede two goals in seven games against the teams we’ve played. He’s made matchwinning saves, he saved a point for us against Tottenham with the save, mentally a very strong keeper but I speak to him every day, that’s fine.”

Outdated indeed

 

[Shark]

Fecking hell, there's defending players, then there's rolling us back to three year old cliches. "Best goalkeeper in the world" just sounds delusional at this point.

 

[RUCK4444]

So he assumes Sheffield United will be pressing high? Or give us many chances to counter-attack? They will play it safe with long balls on McBurnie against Lindelof with Mousset maybe running in behind when we try to press high.

Sorry I meant that in the sense of our intent in general, not this game specifically.

That said if Sheffield do choose to sit in and frustrate we will need the quick passing and movement all the more.

 

[Rafaeldagold]

He’s such a yes man..DDG best goalkeeper in the world..?! I mean come on.

This just confirms he thinks there’s no issue with DDG & therefore no technical issues will be talked about at all. More mistakes to come with another top 4/5 place out of reach

 

[roonster09]

There are people who still takes these press conferences seriously

 

[Annihilate Now!]

Sorry, but what exactly do people expect him to say about his number one goalkeeper?

"I mean he's still good, but there are lots of people better then him now, oh well...."

 

[Schmeichel's Cartwheel]

You will never have a bad presser from Ole. He's mastered the art of giving out a lot of positive signals without really saying anything.

Looking forward to the game, though. Any injury updates on Tuanzebe?

With Tuanzebe the default thought should just be that he’s injured.

 

[Shark]

He’s such a yes man..DDG best goalkeeper in the world..?! I mean come on.

This just confirms he thinks there’s no issue with DDG & therefore no technical issues will be talked about at all. More mistakes to come with another top 4/5 place out of reach

Well you'd hope he believes very little of what he actually says to the media. I'm all for him sticking up for De Gea, even though I do think his time with us should be nearing the end, just not the ''best goalkeeper in the world'' nonsense. This is the kind of stuff we used to mock the scousers for.

 

[Rafaeldagold]

Sorry, but what exactly do people expect him to say about his number one goalkeeper?


"I mean he's still good, but there are lots of people better then him now, oh well...."

Don’t be delusional saying he’s the best in the world & bringing up stats to try & back his point. Anyone can see he’s regressed except Ole apparently.

He should say ‘ yes he’s made a few mistakes, & we know we need to work to get David back to his best, but we’re working on those technical issues as I know David still has the appetite to improve’.

 

[Pexbo]

Sorry, but what exactly do people expect him to say about his number one goalkeeper?

"I mean he's still good, but there are lots of people better then him now, oh well...."

 

[Pexbo]

Don’t be delusional saying he’s the best in the world & bringing up stats to try & back his point. Anyone can see he’s regressed except Ole apparently.

He should say ‘ yes he’s made a few mistakes, & we know we need to work to get David back to his best, but we’re working on those technical issues as I know David still has the appetite to improve’.

Have you ever considered being a motivational speaker? I bet De Gea would be absolutely beaming with confidence after hearing this.

 

[Rafaeldagold]

Have you ever considered being a motivational speaker? I bet De Gea would be absolutely beaming with confidence after hearing this.

Oh I’m so sorry if David’s feelings would be hurt after that. Not really sure how as it wasn’t harsh or anything, just the truth.

But You’re right , let’s just keep praising him & say he’s the best keeper in the world while fcking up 4th again . Good job

 

[Pexbo]

Oh I’m so sorry if David’s feelings would be hurt after that. Not really sure how as it wasn’t harsh or anything, just the truth.

But You’re right , let’s just keep praising him & say he’s the best keeper in the world while fcking up 4th again . Good job

Yeah tough love for everyone, that’s a proven technique because every player is motivated in exactly the same way.

 

[Denis' cuff]

Don’t be delusional saying he’s the best in the world & bringing up stats to try & back his point. Anyone can see he’s regressed except Ole apparently.

He should say ‘ yes he’s made a few mistakes, & we know we need to work to get David back to his best, but we’re working on those technical issues as I know David still has the appetite to improve’.

doesn’t matter what he says to the fecking press gallery, pal. They are not remotely important. He knows a lot more than you do about Ddg and his form. They will deal with it.

 

[bsCallout]

He’s such a yes man..DDG best goalkeeper in the world..?! I mean come on.

This just confirms he thinks there’s no issue with DDG & therefore no technical issues will be talked about at all. More mistakes to come with another top 4/5 place out of reach

No. It's more likely that he doesn't want to air dirty laundry in public like the Mourinho we hated.

These conversations are for behind closed doors and he won't risk damaging a players confidence by criticising in public.

Ole said great things about Lukaku and Sanchez despite everyone knowing they were off.

 

[Adam-Utd]

Don’t be delusional saying he’s the best in the world & bringing up stats to try & back his point. Anyone can see he’s regressed except Ole apparently.

He should say ‘ yes he’s made a few mistakes, & we know we need to work to get David back to his best, but we’re working on those technical issues as I know David still has the appetite to improve’.

Will that make you feel happier

Ole's job isn't to please fans with every little quote ffs.

 

[Rafaeldagold]

doesn’t matter what he says to the fecking press gallery, pal. They are not remotely important. He knows a lot more than you do about Ddg and his form. They will deal with it.

Hope you’re right, but previous experience shows us they don’t think there’s an issue.

 

[Lynty]

Imagine if you overheard your manager at work discussing you in a conference call:

"Yes he’s made a few mistakes, & we know we need to work to get @Rafaeldagold back to his best, but we’re working on those performance issues as I know he still has the appetite to improve"

I'm sorry, you'd be demotivated and likely job hunting. Criticism and performance management is private matter.

 

[DoomSlayer]

Ole is great at man management, that's for sure. I certainly hope that behind closed doors, De Gea is made aware by the coaching staff that his position is under threat, due to his performances in the last 2 years.

 

[Rafaeldagold]

Will that make you feel happier

Ole's job isn't to please fans with every little quote ffs.

It would make me happier knowing he’s trying to improve our club yes.

I would be shocked if ole is actually behind closed doors realising there’s an issue and working on things with DDG & letting him know right now his form isn’t acceptable.

So oles words are rubbish, the results aren’t great & we’re scrambling for 5th really this season yet we can’t question his position. At what point can he be held accountable for his results & words?

 

[FrankDrebin]

I was kinda hoping Ole would openly call DDG shit because that would've done sooooooooooooooo much for his confidence.

 

[Rafaeldagold]

Imagine if you overheard your manager at work discussing you in a conference call:

"Yes he’s made a few mistakes, & we know we need to work to get @Rafaeldagold back to his best, but we’re working on those performance issues as I know he still has the appetite to improve"

I'm sorry, you'd be demotivated and likely job hunting. Criticism and performance management is private matter.

If a professional footballer can’t take constructive criticism when he’s clearly been a bit shite then what’s the point of any manager ever saying anything again. How does DDG know when he’s playing well if he can’t believe Ole now when he says he’s the best in the world ffs

 

[ReddBalls]

If a professional footballer can’t take constructive criticism when he’s clearly been a bit shite then what’s the point of any manager ever saying anything again. How does DDG know when he’s playing well if he can’t believe Ole now when he says he’s the best in the world ffs

You really don't understand either what press conference are for or anything about managing people, do you?

 

[Adam-Utd]

It would make me happier knowing he’s trying to improve our club yes.

I would be shocked if ole is actually behind closed doors realising there’s an issue and working on things with DDG & letting him know right now his form isn’t acceptable.

So oles words are rubbish, the results aren’t great & we’re scrambling for 5th really this season yet we can’t question his position. At what point can he be held accountable for his results & words?

Behind closed doors and public is something very different.

I'm sure Ole was screaming at Maguire at HT, probably said David should have done better too.

Fact is Maguire was 80% to blame for that goal. How on earth would publicly slating him help? Mourinho made this error also and fell out with half the squad.

 

[Lynty]

It would make me happier knowing he’s trying to improve our club yes.

I would be shocked if ole is actually behind closed doors realising there’s an issue and working on things with DDG & letting him know right now his form isn’t acceptable.

So oles words are rubbish, the results aren’t great & we’re scrambling for 5th really this season yet we can’t question his position. At what point can he be held accountable for his results & words?

If a professional footballer can’t take constructive criticism when he’s clearly been a bit shite then what’s the point of any manager ever saying anything again. How does DDG know when he’s playing well if he can’t believe Ole now when he says he’s the best in the world ffs

Ye, your not being realistic at all.