Ole Gunnar Solskjaer calls for Man Utd players to 'wake up' after Fulham draw

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has criticised his players following Tuesday night’s 1-1 draw at home to Fulham, suggesting there was too much ‘fluff’ in the performances because the team was trying to impress returning fans at Old Trafford for the first time in more than a year.

Eased coronavirus restrictions allowed 10,000 supporters to watch the game inside the stadium, a historic moment after being shut out for so long. But Solskjaer said the result against an already relegated Fulham must serve as a ‘wake-up call’ because players lacked efficiency.

“I think it might be a wake-up call because we tried to do the fancy stuff - the flicks, the extraordinary things, the things that pleased the fans. That's not what we're about. We should be more efficient,” he is quoted as saying by BBC Sport.

“They maybe overdid the play at times. I thought we were too loose, too fancy, wanting to do flicks and backheels. Tricks when you don’t need to. That was the disappointing bit, but it was with good intentions. They wanted the crowd to have a good day,” he added, via ManUtd.com.

Edinson Cavani scored United’s goal on the night, a stunning first-time chip from distance after racing onto a through ball in what was his first game in front of fans since arriving last October.

The veteran Uruguayan has been a revelation for United and Solskjaer singled him out for praise, stating that he must serve as an example for every member of the squad and staff.

"Have a look at Cavani, have a look at how he plays the game. Every single one of us look at him. Back tackles, runs, scores - there's no fluff. And we can't have fluff in a game of football,” he said.

“What a way to introduce himself to the Stretford End. I know I’ve said it a long time, but we need fans here and they’re going to see him score many goals for us. That was an excellent finish, and the way he works to get his chances as well is exceptional.”

Getting the balance right will be important ahead of the Europa League final against Villarreal later this month. But Harry Maguire is a major doubt after suffering a recent ankle injury, while Scott McTominay and Fred must race to be fit after knocks against Fulham.

“Unfortunately Scott had to come off and Fred doesn’t look great when he is walking now. But we have got eight days [to the final] and hopefully everyone who was available [against Fulham] will be available,” Solskjaer said.

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