Solskjaer aims tongue-in-cheek dig at Man City’s history ahead of derby

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has said that he is glad Manchester United and Manchester City now have regular fixtures against each other, after waiting five years as a player to make his derby debut.

The two sides clash on Saturday at the Etihad Stadium, with City 11 points ahead of United in the Premier League table after contrasting seasons so far.

As a player, Solskjaer made his United debut in the summer of 1996 but had to wait five years before playing in his first derby and the United boss was keen to make a point of the previous gulf between the sides.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, the Norwegian said: “At least we play every year now. It took many years for me to play my first.”

Pressed on how the fixture has changed over the years, Solskjaer added: “It’s changed in a way, Manchester City are a better team now than when I was playing.

“Football has changed quite a lot, you were allowed a few more proper tackles with every little angle. With everything being scrutinised now it’s more of a technical, tactical game than physical or mental.

“A derby should be played as a derby, we don’t play basketball and we’re ready if that happens.”

United had significant injury worries heading into the weekend, with Anthony Martial unable to feature against Tottenham on Wednesday due to a muscle injury as well as Paul Pogba’s long-term absence.

Asked for an update on the pair, Solskjaer said: “We hope to have Anthony definitely for part of the game – I’m not sure if he’s able to start.

 

 

“Paul probably won’t be [ready], no. As soon as possible, he’s out on the grass training, I said [he’ll be back] in 2019 so hopefully before the New Year.”

United’s defeat of Tottenham on Wednesday saw a significant step up in performance following a 2-2 draw with Aston Villa last weekend that left the club with just four wins from 14 games.

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