Manchester United players have been affected by the fan protests over the club’s ownership by the Glazers, according to manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Last week, Solskjaer’s side were beaten at home by Leicester City and Liverpool in the space of 50 hours as a congested fixture list combined with fan discontent seemingly disrupted their planning going into those games.
United’s players spent hours in the stadium itself before the game and beds were delivered so they could rest ahead of the Liverpool game amid fears of major demonstrations of protests and stop the game from being played once again.
“I didn’t want to use it as an excuse because we lost two games, but surely it’s [a] reason behind the performances,” he said.
“Physically, it’s impossible to play at the intensity that’s required because of the amount of games. Then you look at the preparation in between and we haven’t had the recovery and the same routine as we normally would and we haven’t done the tactical preparation.”
Victory against Fulham, whose relegation was confirmed over a week ago, will confirm Manchester United as the runners-up for only the second time since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013 with Jose Mourinho achieving this feat 2017-18.
Manchester United fans came out in huge numbers once again to protest against the owners – the Glazers. (Photo by Andy Barton/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
This will allow Solskjaer to leave all his main players out of the final-day trip to Wolverhampton Wanderers, in order to protect his first 11 before the UEFA Europa League final against Villarreal in Gdansk, Poland.
The Manchester United manager is hoping the return of fans can bring some positivity back to the club.
“It’s never nice to see a club that is not united. We’re hoping Tuesday is going to be a positive day and that we move together.
“The mood in any club and the relationship between the team and the fans is vital to what happens on the pitch. Hopefully, the players will give the fans a reason to cheer. That’s what we have to focus on.
“It’s a big game for us in that respect.”
Harry Maguire is out with an injury but United are hopeful that he will be fit in time for the final. England head coach Gareth Southgate will also be hoping for the same with Euro 2020 due to start next month.
