Manchester United look to build on momentum at Leicester
| LEICESTER CITY | MANCHESTER UNITED |
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said talk of Manchester United winning their first English Premier League title since 2013 will remain out of bounds among him and his players.
After a slow start to the season, the Red Devils could find themselves in second place and within two points of leaders Liverpool with a win at Leicester City on Saturday (Dec 26).
Solskjaer takes them to the King Power Stadium on the back of reaching the League Cup semi-finals – where they will meet holders Manchester City.
“There is noise around Man United anyway, so for us it’s about improving as a team, taking one game at a time – and we have to, that’s the name of the game,” said Solskjaer when asked about the title.
“That is the only way that you are going to challenge for anything at the end of the season anyway so it’s not something that we talk about.”
Solskjaer – who guided United to three semi-finals last season – said being complimented added another factor for him and the players to deal with.
“The only thing that we talk about and focus on is improving day by day and learning, and how to deal with certain situations,” he said.
“Maybe now at the moment we are getting praise and that’s another thing to learn to deal with.”
Solskjaer nevertheless said Wednesday’s League Cup victory over Everton is priceless for morale.
“Every time you win a game, you get energy and it boosts your morale and belief,” said Solskjaer.
“Results breed good spirit and good mood and it breeds confidence.”
United’s ability to be title challengers has been based around their superb away record having won all six of their games.
However, they have needed to come from behind each time and Solskjaer knows they cannot keep on doing that.
“It’s going to catch up with you if you are going to give teams a lead,” he said.
“Leicester are one of those teams that you definitely don’t want to give a one- or two-goal lead to because they have so many players on the transition that you can easily concede two or three or four.”
Solskjaer can take heart from United’s most recent visit to Leicester on the last day of last season when they beat them 2-0.
“They are a very good side with a very good coach and I have enjoyed watching them under Brendan (Rodgers),” he said.
“It was a big test for us to go to their stadium in the summer and we passed that one with flying colours.
“We played a controlled game but I know it will not be the same now because it’s a different time of the season and they have got some threats that you have to look for.” – REUTERS
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