Manchester United vs PSG: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reveals dressing room message to players after defeat
United’s hopes of reaching a first Champions League quarter-final since 2014 were dealt a severe blow
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Your support makes all the difference.Ole Gunnar Solskjaer told his Manchester United players not to feel sorry for themselves despite their chastening 2-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.
United’s hopes of reaching a first Champions League quarter-final since 2014 were dealt a severe blow by two away goals from Presnel Kimpembe and Kylian Mbappé.
Solskjaer will hope to turn the tie around at the Parc des Princes next month but will have to do so without Paul Pogba, who will be suspended after being sent off late on.
The defeat represents the first real setback of Solskjaer’s caretaker spell in charge, ending an unbeaten run which stretched to 11 games.
United now face a trip to Chelsea next Monday night in an FA Cup fifth round tie, before Liverpool visit Old Trafford in the Premier League.
Solskjaer was keen to ensure that his players do not lose heart ahead of two challenging fixtures, despite his admission that United were comfortably second-best against PSG.
“Don't feel sorry for yourself,” he said, when asked what he had told his dressing room after the final whistle.
“This is something to learn from. It was a level up from what we're used to. They're experienced. They bought some fouls.
“That's part of learning when you’re young, many of our players are very young. Learn from that. Move forward.
“We have Chelsea and Liverpool next two games. Whoever feels sorry for themselves will not play probably.”
Solskjaer insisted that one defeat would not kill the momentum that his side have built up since his appointment in December.
“No, not at all. At this club we bounce back, we have to bounce back,” he said.
“We’re in the Champions League, it is always going to be difficult whoever we play. Our bread and butter is the league, FA Cup against Chelsea. There's so many games to play.
“No, I'm not afraid. I've seen the reaction, they're disappointed but there's determination and desire there to put this right.”
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