Manchester United’s cruising victory against Tranmere on Sunday was a lose lose for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Lose the game and he’d be slammed, but win it like they did and it’s an expected victory anyway. The day didn’t start well for the manager when fans reacted to the starting 11.
United chose to start with three centre-backs in Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Phil Jones in the middle of wing backs Luke Shaw and Diogo Dalot. To play so many centre-backs against a League One side who are 21st could be seen as showing too much respect for their opposition. As it turned out, it worked well and even Jesse Lingard managed to get on the scoresheet.
The club’s official Twitter account posted the news of the team selection on their page before kick-off and the replies were filled with fans slamming the decision. For some, it strengthened their position on the need for the owners to leave Old Trafford for good.
Six changes to today’s #MUFC starting line-up…#EmiratesFACup
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 26, 2020
You can see some of their reactions to the tweet below:
5 at the back against League 1 Tranmere rovers, Maguire & Martial start, Gomes not even in the squad. Are you kidding me.
— Ryan. 🔴 (@Vintage_Utd) January 26, 2020
Five at the back against Tranmere? Don’t kill me. Am I seeing this correctly? FIVE AT THE BACK? Wtf?
— Red Devil Bible (@RedDevilBible) January 26, 2020
5 at the back again league 1 relegation fodder
How do people back this guy?
Gomes not even on the bench.
— Dan (@Dxnbissaka) January 26, 2020
Three centre backs vs Tranmere… pic.twitter.com/rcNNkIhPiD
— UnitedReds (@UnitedRedscom) January 26, 2020
We’re playing a back 5? 😭
— Taha Saeed (@utdsaeed) January 26, 2020
attacking football is back !!! oh 5 at the back… maybe next week.#GlazersOut
— fatlad (@footboxing) January 26, 2020
Man United fans, what was your reaction to the starting line-up?
