Solskjaer believes the defeat to Sheffield United was a “big momentum changer”
Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has revealed how match officials have acknowledged two crucial errors were made during his side’s Premier League defeat to Sheffield United last week which could have turned the result on its head.
United had the chance to return to the top of the table with a win over Chris Wilder’s side at Old Trafford last week but fell to a surprise 2-1 loss, with Solskjaer making it clear after the full-time whistle that he believed key decisions had gone against his side.
Kean Bryan’s opening goal was allowed to stand, despite replays showing a push by Billy Sharp on David De Gea. United were then denied an equaliser as Anthony Martial’s effort was ruled out when Harry Maguire was adjudged to have fouled Aaron Ramsdale before the ball fell to the Frenchman.
Despite both decisions being looked at by VAR, the on-pitch decisions stood.
United followed up their surprise defeat with a goalless draw away at Arsenal on Saturday. Speaking on Monday, Solskjaer suggested the loss in midweek damaged his side’s momentum.
“I don’t like to bring these things up – the momentum shifted for us with the Sheffield United game – but I’ve got the delegates’ report from the referee and the two decisions were wrong,” Solskjaer said.
“They’ve admitted their goal should have been disallowed and our goal should have stood. That’s a big, big momentum changer for us. You’re more likely to, when you go 1-0 up rather than 1-0 down, go on and win that game.
“So that’s fine margins and it has been the way this season, fine margins. You hit the post, it goes in or it goes out, sometimes you’re lucky with decisions, sometimes you’re not. We’ve got to focus on this game and I’m sure the results and performances will come.”
United remain in second, with Manchester City now three points clear at the top with a game in hand.
