SOLSKJAER SENDS DE GEA A MESSAGE AFTER ANOTHER MANCHESTER UNITED MISTAKE
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer refused to criticise David de Gea after he committed another mistake in Manchester United's derby defeat to City.
United are still in talks with De Gea's representatives over a new long-term contract but the discussions have become more protracted than anticipated amid the 28-year-old's desire for reassurances about United's ambitions. Solskjaer was asked whether De Gea's forlorn form was a concern but opted against scapegoating the Spaniard.
"I'm concerned about the lack of results that we get," Solskjaer said. "And in times like these it's not time to point fingers at anyone or blame anyone. We've got to stick together and the strange reality is we're still in with a shout for top four.
"We've got Chelsea here on Sunday. You could see a reaction here today from the lads, which is all good, but we need more quality on Sunday and need to win that game. And if we win it and there are two games to make sure we get enough points and goals."
United have lost seven of their last nine games - their worst run of form since 1962 - but are still remarkably just three points off the fourth-place spot in the Premier League. United entertain Chelsea on Sunday before they travel to Huddersfield next week and conclude their campaign with a home game against Cardiff.
Europa League football still seems likely for United next season and they could possibly face a qualifier on July 25 - the date they are scheduled to play Tottenham in a pre-season friendly in Shanghai. Solskjaer is not planning for Thursday night football next term, though.
"Of course we wanna get into the top four," Solskjaer added. "I've not been thinking or planning on Thursday nights yet so we'll have to see when May 12 is done, we just gotta make sure we give ourselves a chance now on Sunday."
De Gea was beaten at his near post by Leroy Sane's 66th-minute clincher just three days after he conceded saveable shots from Gylfi Sigurdsson and Lucas Digne at Everton. The Spaniard committed a howler against Barcelona in the 3-0 reverse last week and was blameworthy for goals in the Premier League losses at Wolves and Arsenal. United have conceded in their last 12 matches across all competitions.
United are still in talks with De Gea's representatives over a new long-term contract but the discussions have become more protracted than anticipated amid the 28-year-old's desire for reassurances about United's ambitions. Solskjaer was asked whether De Gea's forlorn form was a concern but opted against scapegoating the Spaniard.
"I'm concerned about the lack of results that we get," Solskjaer said. "And in times like these it's not time to point fingers at anyone or blame anyone. We've got to stick together and the strange reality is we're still in with a shout for top four.
"We've got Chelsea here on Sunday. You could see a reaction here today from the lads, which is all good, but we need more quality on Sunday and need to win that game. And if we win it and there are two games to make sure we get enough points and goals."
United have lost seven of their last nine games - their worst run of form since 1962 - but are still remarkably just three points off the fourth-place spot in the Premier League. United entertain Chelsea on Sunday before they travel to Huddersfield next week and conclude their campaign with a home game against Cardiff.
Europa League football still seems likely for United next season and they could possibly face a qualifier on July 25 - the date they are scheduled to play Tottenham in a pre-season friendly in Shanghai. Solskjaer is not planning for Thursday night football next term, though.
"Of course we wanna get into the top four," Solskjaer added. "I've not been thinking or planning on Thursday nights yet so we'll have to see when May 12 is done, we just gotta make sure we give ourselves a chance now on Sunday."
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