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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Alex Richards

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer emphatically answers Jurgen Klopp and David Moyes with Man Utd decision

Jurgen Klopp had his say. David Moyes too.

Now, with his Manchester United lineup against Leicester City featuring 10 changes from the weekend win over Aston Villa, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has given his answer.

"This was the only way to do it," he emphatically declared.

The United boss has seen his side forced into a packed fixture predicament by the Premier League, a run of three games in five days for a side who have little to play for in the league - but whose schedule will have huge ramifications for others.

Most notably, Champions League-chasing West Ham and the deposed champions.

Speaking on Sunday after the Hammers’ loss to Everton, Moyes took aim at the Premier League over the situation that they have put United in by rescheduling the fixture with Liverpool.

"The Premier League should be answering these questions and tell us why this is the case," said Moyes. "There was an awful lot of integrity needed to get the Premier League back up and running during the pandemic.”

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer made 10 changes vs Leicester (Giuseppe Fama/BPI/REX/Shutterstock)

However, he also attempted to put some pressure on Solskjaer’s selection: "Ole can do what he likes. It's his team and his club. But I don't know if there was a better way to sort the fixtures out.

“The Premier League have made that decision, I think Manchester United can always put out a strong team."

It was a similar story from Jurgen Klopp, whom United face in the rearranged encounter on Thursday.

The German lamented the “crazy” situation United have been forced into by the Premier League and reckoned that - given the clubs’ rivalry - Liverpool wouldn’t be seeing any understrength United side when they visit Old Trafford.

“If Man United is doing it like that, we cannot change that. I expect a strong team against us, and what they do in other games, we obviously have no influence.”

A first Premier League start for Amad (Manchester United via Getty Images)

The Norwegian wasted little time in responding on Monday, making clear he would do what’s best for his Europa League finalists.

"I wish I could have said let's go full out in all the games but it's impossible,” Solskjaer responded.

“Talking about integrity in the league and stuff, don't blame me when I have to make changes because I have to.

"It's not safe for them to play all four [games this week] so I have got to prioritise."

In making 10 changes and including the likes of Amad Traore and Anthony Elanga in his starting lineup, Solskjaer did precisely what he deems necessary.

It's not on the United boss to ensure fairness in the Premier League for all - heck, since when has it been about being fair to rivals rather than looking after your own on-field affairs?

With a Europa League Final on the horizon, not to mention the Euros for many of his stars, his only priority is to them and Manchester United.

"That was the only way to do it, that is the strongest we can get but I am looking forward to it," said the Norwegian.

"These boys will do everything they can for the team and it is a chance for them to play their way into the next game against Liverpool. I want to win every game." 

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