Solskjaer blames the "competition ball" for the draw against Club Brugge

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was left lamenting his team’s sluggish performance against Club Brugge in Thursday night’s Europa League clash. Ole felt the weather conditions and even the competition ball had a part to play in their performance. 

United went a  goal down inside the first 15 minutes on a rain-soaked night at the Jan Breydel Stadium when a long ball from goalkeeper Simon Mignolet beat Solskjaer’s defense. Emmanuel Dennis lift the ball over the Argentine, Sergio Romero, who misjudged the ball and came very close to it.

However, Anthony Martial got an equalizer before half-time with a beautiful run and finish, courtesy of an error from a throw ball that set the Frenchman away. 

United produced another chance just before half-time, again the same man, Martial who whipped the ball near post but was saved by an alert Mignolet, who put his fingertips on the ball and then the ball hit the post and went off the line.

Other than that, the game was quite dull as both teams failed to create any clear cut chances. In a post-match interview, Solskjaer said, “It was a difficult game against a well-organized team in difficult conditions." 

"I don’t think it was one of the best games that anyone’s seen. A bit sloppy concentration wise but the conditions with the pitch and the ball makes it hard. It’s just different and difficult to play with. You can get one and try! It’s light. But it’s the same for the two teams.”

The January signing Bruno Fernandes, was superb in the 10 minutes he was on the field. He created many chances and attempted more shots than any other Manchester United player on the field.

Manchester United play the return fixture on 27 February, with a slight advantage because of the away goal rule. However, United play Watford this Sunday and will look to take full advantage of the victory against Chelsea to gather three points as the race to top four is quite intense. 

featured image credits- dailymail.co.uk