Solskjær hints expansive Leeds style might open door for United

• Published date: 19 December 2020
• Author: Jamie Jackson
• Date: 19 December 2020

United's 3-2 victory at Sheffield United on Thursday was a sixth successive Premier League away win. Yet they have won only once at home, against West Brom, losing three times and drawing twice there.

Solskjær said: "I don't think it's a mental issue. It can't be because there are no fans [home or away]. We should be more used to the pitch as well as the surroundings [at home] and environment. Sometimes it's down to fine margins, who gets the first goal, how the opposition set up."

United have conceded the first goal in each league away match. At Old Trafford they have lost 3-1 to Crystal Palace, 6-1 to Tottenham, and 1-0 to Arsenal, drawing 0-0 with Chelsea and Manchester City.

The manager hinted the expansive style of Leeds, who visit tomorrow, will suit United. "We'll play a team who will make it a hard game for us but also maybe an open game."

United have not faced Leeds in the top flight for almost 17 years, Solskjær a late replacement in that 1-1 draw at Old Trafford in February 2004.

"It's been too long," he said. "I know how much it means for our supporters and our club. It's a different type of Leeds coming up with a coach [Marcelo Bielsa] who has really done a great job with them and they will test us to the limit."

Today it will be two years since Solskjaer replaced José Mourinho, initially as caretaker. He is reluctant to assess his progress. "I hate talking about what I've done and where we're at - I don't enjoy that bit. I always look forward and I know there's a lot of work to be done still to get to the standard and level I want. That's what we're working for every single day. I've really enjoyed these two years."

Fond memories

Bielsa has fond memories of a previous trip to Old Trafford but the Leeds coach will draw upon different recollections to inspire his players as they prepare to resume hostilities with Manchester United.

He was in charge of Athletic Bilbao when they knocked Alex Ferguson's side out of the 2011-12 Europa League, laying the groundwork for progression to the quarter-finals with a 3-2 victory at United. While Bielsa cherished the reminder of what took place...