Former Manchester United legend blasted at Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for using unusual tactics against RB Leipzig in the Champions League.
The former Manchester United favourite Paul Parker criticised Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team management for the game against RB Leipzig. The Red Devils exited the Champions League in agony after losing 3-2 to the German side on Tuesday night. Before the game, Solskjaer looked confident to snatch the three points at the Red Bull Arena with just needing a draw to progress. However, we saw an unusual starting lineup consisting of seven defensive players.
The Norwegian boss put up a 5-3-2 formation to tackle the extreme attacking force of Leipzig. But his plan did not pan out to success as United conceded an early goal just in two minutes from the start. Though the team battled to overturn the result but failed to do so. And Parker feels that Solskjaer was far too orthodox with his selection for the crucial European match.
The former United star told Eurosport: “Solskjaer is too reliant on having two holding midfielders all the time. It doesn’t make sense. He’s going into a game where you can’t go looking for a draw, but when you’re putting out two holding players, their coach [Julian Nagelsmann] couldn’t believe what they were doing.
“That first half tells you why Manchester United got their team selection so wrong and you can’t just keep coming out against quality sides and changing your system for every game. When I played for United we were 4-4-2 and then when Eric Cantona came along it was 4-4-1-1. It was very flexible. Everyone would do every other person’s job. They’re not flexible in what they’re doing.”
What lies ahead for the boss?
Furthermore, Parker talked about Solskjaer’s future at Old Trafford. “Ole was a person who everyone liked, adored, idolised, respected as a player. I wonder if he’s really enjoying being the number one as a manager. That’s no disrespect to him but it’s that difficult, and would Ole be a good number two? I think he would be a great number two because of his nature.
“It’s difficult because I’ve met him on numerous occasions and I know what he’s like. I know the players who I played with that played with him and I want him to do well. Ex-Manchester United players on TV won’t condemn him because they are trying to be honest but they want to stay respectful to an ex-teammate.”
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