Ole Gunnar Solskjær has branded it “unfair” that Chelsea have 48 hours longer than Manchester United to recover before their FA Cup semi-final on Sunday.
Chelsea’s last match was the 1-0 home win against Norwich on Tuesday whereas United have the trip to Crystal Palace on Thursday before returning to London for the game at Wembley.
Solskjær said: “There is a concern, obviously, that they will have had 48 hours’ more rest and recovery than us. It’s not fair. We spoke about a fair scheduling going into this restart and of course it isn’t. But I have to think about Thursday, winning that one, focusing on that one, and then pick up the pieces after that.”
United are in fifth place but have Champions League qualification in their own hands because they face Leicester, one place ahead on goal difference, on the final day. “It’s all about recovery, mental and physical recovery, and getting ready for the last games and let’s see from there,” Solskjær said. “It might go down to goal difference at the end.”
Solskjær has selected the same XI for the past five league games. He had considered resting Paul Pogba, who has been in impressive form since returning from long-term injury, for the 2-2 draw with Southampton on Monday, but the midfielder wanted to play.
“Paul knows that he wouldn’t be dropped. When Paul plays like this he wouldn’t be dropped from any team in the world – France or Man United – but he’s been out [injured] for a long time, there was a question mark before the game [against Southampton]: ‘How do you feel?’ But he felt ready for it, which was great, so now let’s see how he is today or even tomorrow morning. He’s been fantastic since the restart and brought a lot to the team.”
