Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has accused his Manchester United stars of reverting back to the way Jose Mourinho wanted them to play following their shock FA Cup exit at the hands of Wolves.
The Norwegian boss channeled his inner-Sir Alex Ferguson and gave his own version of the hair-dryer treatment following the 2-1 defeat at Molineux.
According to The Sun, Solskjaer lamented their slow build-up play in the changing rooms after the game before telling his squad to analyse their own performances during the international break.
Following the result on Saturday, Solskjaer admitted that United had taken ‘a big step backwards’ after he suffered his second defeat in a row as the club’s interim manager.
Despite still being in the Champions League, Solskjaer saw the FA Cup as United’s best chance of winning some silverware this season.
‘It was a big step backwards,’ said the 46-year-old after the game, who suffered his first Premier League defeat at Arsenal last weekend.
‘That’s the poorest performance since I’ve come here. We know that we played well against Arsenal last week and didn’t get what we deserved, but we got what we deserved today.
‘The tempo wasn’t high enough and we played into their hands. We never managed to put their keeper or defenders under pressure. There wasn’t enough quality.’
Asked if the positive impact of his arrival three months ago might be wearing off, Solskjaer replied: ‘I think it’s something natural. You can’t perform to the top level every time.
‘It was still against a good team, don’t forget that. Don’t take anything away from Wolves’ performance, even though we underperformed.
‘We’re very disappointing tonight [Saturday] that we’re not in the semis. I told the players the truth but, of course, you can’t sit down and sulk too long. Everyone is disappointed but we have to move forward.’
Solskjaer admitted the international break might have come at a good time for United, but vowed that his players would be ready to challenge for a top-four place in the Premier League and face Barcelona in the Champions League quarter-finals when they come back.
‘The international break sometimes comes in handy,’ he said. ‘We would have loved to play again and put it right, but hopefully some of them will have good experiences with the national team and be ready to push again.
‘We’re ready to go again after internationals, we’ve got so much to play for. We’re in a great position in the league and in Champions League. Man United always find their good form in April and May.
‘We can’t wait for the challenge for third and, of course, the big night when Barcelona come. There are so many highlights to look forward to. Don’t worry about the players’ attitude. When they come back they’ll give it a good go.’