Aniket Rai
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reveals reason behind benching Eric Bailly and Nemanja Matic against Liverpool
Speaking after the draw on Sunday (h/t Manchester Evening News) Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer revealed that benching Eric Bailly and Nemanja Matic against Liverpool was a tactical call.
United started the game in a defensive manner as the Reds dominated the first half. However, the Red Devils came back roaring in the second half and went within inches of securing a historic win at Anfield.
Two notable absentees from the team that faced Jurgen Klopp’s side were Bailly and Matic. The Ivorian centre-back played the full 90 minutes in each of United’s last 4 league games.
He impressed alongside Maguire during that time. But Solskjaer stated that it was always decided that Victor Lindelof would play against Liverpool.
“Victor has been training this week to get ready for this game, I gave him the Burnley game off.”
The Swedish defender picked up an injury against Leicester City in the last week of December. He was absent from the squad in the last 3 league games but returned against Liverpool.
Tactical changes
Matic also featured in the impressive 1-0 wins over Aston Villa and Burnley in January. However, he was left out of the starting XI and alongside Bailly, did not even feature as a substitute during the match.
United started with Fred, Paul Pogba, and Scott McTominay in the heart of the midfield in the derby.
Solskjaer complimented the Serbian on his performance in recent times, but said that the team needed something else for this match.
“It’s a game where we think we need the energy of Scott and Fred, I thought Nemanja and Paul in midfield last time were incredible.”
More Manchester United News:
- Fred hopes Paul Pogba will stay put at Manchester United
- Juventus to battle Valencia for Manchester United veteran Juan Mata
- Gary Neville tells Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskajer to make three game-changing transfers
The Norwegian’s team selection was not too far from being perfect on the night. United had two clear-cut chances to win the game in the final minutes of the game but had to settle with a goalless at full-time.
