Ole Gunnar Solskjaer played down Manchester United’s title hopes after Marcus Rashford’s last-gasp effort against Wolves moved them up to second in the Premier League.
A topsy-turvy year started with supporters calling for the heads of executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward and the Glazer family, while Solskjaer’s position came under increased scrutiny earlier in this campaign.
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And despite Tuesday night’s dramatic victory taking the Red Devils to within two points of reigning champions Liverpool at the top – Solskjaer remained coy when talk of a title bid came up in his post-match press conference.
Asked at what point he and the players acknowledge they are in a title race, the United boss said: “There’s no title race after 15 games.
“You can lose the chance of being in a race in the first 10 games, of course you can.
“But play another 15, get to 30 and then maybe we can start talking about a title race, when you get to March or April, when we have at least played more than half a season.
“But the belief is there. Of course the players go into every game thinking we can win against anyone anywhere.
“Away we’ve shown what we’re capable of. I think we’re improving at home as well and this result is massive for confidence and for the attitude.”
Meanwhile, the Norwegian says he can’t see the benefit of a two-week circuit week break in the English top-flight amid a surge in coronavirus cases in this country.
The Premier League recently confirmed 18 positive COVID tests among players and staff in its latest round of testing – the highest number recorded in 2020/21 so far.
Manchester City’s trip to Everton on Monday was postponed hours before kick-off due to numerous positive cases within the City camp, while Aston Villa vs Newcastle was also called off earlier this month.
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“It’s not something I’ve thought about a lot. I think our players have been really good in following protocols and rules,” Solskjaer admitted.
“That’s part of the job here, that we as clubs follow the protocols given. I can’t see the benefit in having a circuit break, whatever it’s going to be called.
“Because when are we going to play the games? We all know this year is so difficult, but I don’t think stopping the games is going to make a big, big change.”
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