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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Darren Wells

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admits to "tough couple of days" for Jesse Lingard and Fred

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admits it has been a "tough couple of days" for Jesse Lingard and Fred in the aftermath of the alleged racist abuse they suffered at Man City.

A fan was released on bail following his arrest in relation to the incident at City's Etihad stadium on Saturday.

The 41-year-old City supporter was initially held on suspicion of a racially aggravated incident after a video circulated on social media of a man - believed to be him - making monkey gestures and sounds towards the two Man Utd stars.

Solskjaer said: "This isn’t how it should be in football. What we can do is go out onto the pitch and it’s been a tough couple of days for Jesse and Fred but we have to help the other people understand their behaviours."

(Offside via Getty Images)

United earned a surprise 2-1 victory over their rivals in the first Manchester derby of the season.

Midfielder Fred was hit with an object thrown from the crowd as he went to take a corner.

He said: "On the field, I didn't see anything. I saw it only in the locker room afterwards. The guys showed me. [A man] even threw a lighter and it hit me."

A fan was also seen making monkey gestures towards both players (REUTERS)

City have outlined their "zero-tolerance policy regarding discrimination", and have been working with the authorities to resolve the issue.

Meanwhile United are now preparing for their final Europa League group match with AZ Alkmaar on Thursday.

The Red Devils' have already qualified for the knockout stages of the competition, but can secure top spot in Group L should they avoid defeat, with Alkmaar also going through.

There were suggestions that the match could be an ideal opportunity to welcome Paul Pogba back into action, but Solskjaer has denied the Frenchma will play any part .

"No, it's too early," Solskjaer said. "He is working hard to get fit and hopefully we can get him back on the pitch.

"Let's get him fit and back in form. He will play loads of games. He's one of the best players in the world and we're looking forward to having him back."

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