Solskjaer fails to heed warning with decision deemed ‘not the Man Utd way’

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer watched his side drop more points as Manchester United could only manage a 1-1 draw against relegation-threatened West Brom.

United made the trip to the Midlands knowing only a win would keep them in touch with Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table.

Albion have won just one home game all season, but got off to the perfect start when Mbaye Diagne gave them the lead after 90 seconds.

The visitors dominated possession after that, but failed to craft clear cut chances against Sam Allardyce's side.

Bruno Fernandes did manage to equalise with a stunning volley, but United never looked like getting a second on a frustrating and damaging afternoon for the Red Devils.

With Paul Pogba ruled out of the clash, Solskjaer had decisions to make in the centre of the park. Many felt that it could have been an opportunity for Donny van de Beek to start against opponents that were likely to deploy a low block.

But Solskjaer opted to start Fred alongside Scott McTominay, with Van de Beek once again left on the bench.

Top trending sport stories right now

  • LeBron weeks from becoming billionaire
  • Owen mocked for bold double denim
  • AJ says: "I'm going to WWE!"
  • Barca have 'Messi rule' for players

    • The United boss has used a number of combinations throughout the season, but it's not the first time the Fred-McTominay pairing has come in for criticism.

    Speaking earlier this season, Sky Sports pundit Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink claimed that they would not be able to win the title playing the two in same midfield, with the former Leeds striker claiming it goes against "the Manchester United way".

    “They’re not as good as they used to be," he said last year. "That’s normal because we’re expecting too much from Manchester United just because they’re Manchester United.

    “That’s not a Manchester United team is it? Two defensive midfield players, going to Everton where you should have more attacking players on the pitch.

    “Long term you cannot have Fred and McTominay in your team to become champions or to challenge for the championship.

    “For now maybe the games that he needs to defend the back four a bit better to give them stability but long-term? That’s not a Manchester United way.”

    Source: Read Full Article