Knocked Out Of The League Cup, Solskjaer Praises His Players: We Played Really Well, The Boys Gave Everything

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (Twitter @ManUtd)

JAKARTA - Manchester United (MU) manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer praised his players who continued to press the opponent even though the Red Devils were kicked by West Ham from the League Cup competition at Old Trafford on Thursday morning this morning.

Manuel Lanzini led West Ham to a 1-0 win which was their first win at Old Trafford since 2007, and also avenged a 1-2 defeat in the league three days ago.

"We played very well for a long time and have given everything. Statistics don't mean anything but when you have 27 shots (on goal), you know the boys have given everything," said Solksjaer.

Defeat at Old Trafford in the #CarabaoCup.#MUFC

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 22, 2021

After two consecutive seasons reaching the League Cup semi-finals, United has now started this season by being eliminated in the third round of this competition, precisely when they have received fresh blood from Raphael Varane, Jadon Sancho, and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Ironically Solksjaer rested Ronaldo and Varane, as well as several other key players including Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire. Even just lowered Mason Greenwood and Bruno Fernandes in about the last third of the second half.

Solskjaer's team struggled to break down the Hammers defense which also rested three key players Tomas Soucek, Declan Rice, and Michail Antonio.

United still hasn't won a single title under Solskjaer so the club hasn't tasted a title in four years, which is the longest title drought since 1989.

"We didn't create big chances but we created pressure," Solksjaer said, quoted by Sky Sports, and effective pressures could only occur after Greenwood came on midway through the second half.

United may now focus their efforts on the Premier League, Champions League, and FA Cup.

Regarding his line-up which was again changed at an important moment, Solskjaer argued that it was done to give his second-tier players enough playing time.

Ole's post-match reaction includes a word on Mason Greenwood and our vocal home support 👇#MUFC | #CarabaoCup

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 22, 2021

"Every game is important but you can see from the team selection we have always used in this competition during my time at this club, which is to give playing time to the players who need it," said Solksjaer.

"It's a very long season. I've never won this tournament. It's a trophy I want to have but the trophy hunt will continue," he continued.

Solskjaer argues that he gives enough playing time to his players despite the fact that during his time as Manchester United manager he has never led his team to win the competition, unlike Thomas Tuchel, who has just coached but has already presented the title to Chelsea.

In contrast to Manchester United, Chelsea also rested some of their key players but did not exclude their most productive new signing Romelu Lukaku. Chelsea qualifies for the next round of the League Cup.

The Blues won 4-3 on penalties against Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge after a 1-1 draw until normal time ended.

Chelsea took the lead in the 54th minute thanks to a Timo Werner goal but Cameron Archer equalized 10 minutes later.