Solskjaer explains his midfield changes at half-time in United defeat

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Manchester United have to find answers quickly after a terrible 6-1 loss at home to Tottenham.

United were 4-1 down at half-time after a shambolic defensive display.

Solskjaer made two changes at the break, bringing on Fred and Scott McTominay in place of Nemanja Maric and Bruno Fernandes.

With Anthony Martial already sent off, this was a case of damage limitation.

Solskjaer explained that he wanted to see his team be more aggressive, and said he was not happy with the response.

The manager told the club website: “4-1 down you’ve probably lost the game so then it’s about showing your character, showing your personality.

“We had to try to close their avenues to goal and we didn’t, we were too passive.

“We didn’t come out with any aggression in the second half which I had hoped for.”

United conceded just six minutes into half-time as Tottenham made in 5-1.

Spurs only added one more, and that should be a small mercy, with the sixth goal coming from the penalty spot.

Red card limited ambition

Solskjaer’s admission the game was lost at half-time was disappointing in itself.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s United side managed a famous comeback away at Tottenham, after being 3-0 down, and coming back to win 5-3 in the second half.

But with the side down to 10 men after Anthony Martial’s sending off, Solskjaer’s approach was a pragmatic and realistic one, with Jose Mourinho’s side exposing United’s soft core too easily.

Taking an attacking approach to get back into the game could have had even more disastrous consequences.

This United team lacks the leaders of the past, and that was very evident on Sunday.

Solskjaer himself has to take responsibility for the defeat, along with his players. United now have a fortnight to reflect.

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