..::Football IV::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Matic takes responsibility for 'shameful' performance as Manchester United crash at Everton


Nemanja Matic says Manchester United’s senior players are to blame for the team’s catastrophic 4-0 defeat to Everton.Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team capitulated at Goodison Park as they failed to take advantage of other teams’ slip-ups as they chase down a top-four place in the Premier League.

United looked beaten by half-time after goals from Richarlison and Gylfi Sigurdsson put Everton two up at the break, before Lucas Digne and Theo Walcott followed up in the second half to condemn the visitors to a sorry defeat.

And afterwards, Matic said that it was the responsibility of the team’s more experienced members to shoulder the blame for the collapse.“It's one of the worst games for me personally, and for the team,” said the Serbian.“I think we deserved to lose. We did not play how we wanted to play.

“It's hard for me to speak about. It’s not for the young players. I’m one of the most senior players. If anyone is to blame for this it’s me.“When you win the battle in midfield it's easier to play. We didn’t do that today.”Everton collectively outran United by 8 kilometres at Goodison Park, on a day when the visitors saw their goals-against tally tick over to 48 in the league.

That set a Premier League record for the 20-time champions, who have now conceded more goals than they did in what was previously their most porous season.The team let in 45 goals in 1999/00 and 2001/02, but this season’s record looks set to cost them a place in the top four and consequently next season’s Champions League.

“It’s shameful,” said Matic. “We have to look for the mirror, everyone has to see where he made mistake and what he must do better.“The more guilty are the more experienced players and in this case it’s me.

“It’s difficult to answer what is wrong. Our approach to the game was not good, everyone needs to take responsibility during the game, with the ball, without the ball, everyone needs to run more then our quality will show. “

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Paris Saint-Germain 3 Monaco 1: Mbappe leads title celebrations with hat-trick as Neymar returns

Kylian Mbappe scored a hat-trick and Neymar made his return from a three-month injury lay-off as Paris Saint-Germain began their Ligue 1 title celebrations with a 3-1 win over visitors Monaco on Sunday.

PSG were already confirmed as champions earlier in the day after second-placed Lille could only draw 0-0 with Toulouse, and Thomas Tuchel's men subsequently played with freedom in an emphatic triumph inspired by Mbappe against his old club.

The lethal Mbappe took only 15 minutes to make his mark at the end of a stunning counter-attack and he doubled his tally just before half-time, rounding off another well-worked move.


Neymar – fit again after breaking his foot in January – came on at the interval to a huge cheer, before Mbappe completed his treble in the 55th minute to become the youngest player to score 30 goals in France's top division.Aleksandr Golovin's late strike proved to be nothing more than a consolation for a Monaco side who still face the threat of relegation.

Monaco's chances took an early blow when they lost goalkeeper Danijel Subasic to an apparent thigh strain, and PSG had the breakthrough soon after – Mbappe collecting Moussa Diaby's pass and finishing into the top-left corner to round off a devastating break.The former Monaco talisman missed a great chance in the 33rd minute, but he made amends a few moments later, playing a one-two with Dani Alves and neatly finding the bottom-right corner from just inside the area.

PSG – wearing a special jersey in tribute to Notre Dame following Monday's fire – introduced Neymar for Layvin Kurzawa at half-time, but still Mbappe led the way, hitting the post after bursting past Kamil Glik in the 52nd minute.

He then grabbed his third, tapping in from close range after Alves raced on to Marco Verratti's pass and squared across the face of goal.PSG lost Verratti to an injury towards the end and Golovin pulled one back with a tidy finish just inside the box, but the hosts' lead was unassailable and they cruised to victory.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Benzema is the best No.9 in the world, says Zidane


Zinedine Zidane singled out Karim Benzema as world football's premier centre-forward after his hat-trick led Real Madrid to victory on Sunday. Athletic had no answer to the former France international as he hit all of his side's goals in a routine 3-0 victory at Santiago Bernabeu.

That triple brought him up to 21 goals for the season in La Liga, his best haul since 2015-16 and a league total higher than that of Cristiano Ronaldo in Serie A with newly crowned champions Juventus.And his compatriot had no qualms in affirming that he had no peer in the No.9 position.

"For me Karim is the best No.9 in the world, although there are many good players, and others might choose someone else," the Madrid idol signalled in a press conference after the final whistle."What he has been doing here over 10 years means everything."His goals are impressive and I am happy for him. He has confidence in himself, always aims to improve.

"But his team were helping him, with Marco's [Asensio] cross, [Jesus] Vallejo's recovery of the ball to start off the move for the first goal."While Benzema has stepped up to compensate the loss of goals signified by Ronaldo's blockbuster move to Turin, strike partner Gareth Bale has fared rather less well.

The Wales international drew another blank on Sunday to extend his scoring drought for the Merengue to five matches, and has netted just eight times in La Liga this season.

Zidane admits that he would have liked to see Bale hit the net while hitting out at the jeers he received from certain sectors of the Bernabeu."The pity is that [Bale] had a chance to score, and I am sorry for him," Zidane added

"I would have liked to see Gareth score. As always I will not get involved [in talking about future]."The boos? No, I don't understand that."Madrid remain in third position in La Liga following Sunday's win, behind league leaders Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Guardiola refutes Mahrez exit talk as Man City plan for the future with £60m record signing


Pep Guardiola has rubbished reports suggesting that Riyad Mahrez could be moved on just 12 months after making a club-record £60 million ($78m) switch to Manchester City.Having been a long-standing target for the Blues, the Algeria international finally arrived at the Etihad Stadium in the summer of 2018.

A Premier League title winner from his time at Leicester, the 28-year-old was expected to slip seamlessly into the fold with the reigning champions.

Mahrez was, however, always going to face fierce competition for places within a star-studded City squad.The Mail have suggested that a lack of playing time has left a tricky winger frustrated and considering another move after just one solitary season in Manchester.

Guardiola insists that is not the case, telling reporters when quizzed on the Mahrez rumours: “Riyad will be here next season, and the next one and the next one.
“He's happy, we are happy.”

Mahrez has made 13 Premier League starts this season, while recording six goals and three assists across 26 top-flight outings in total.It could be that he gets the chance to improve that record when City return to action on Wednesday.

A derby date with arch-rivals United at Old Trafford is next on the agenda for Guardiola’s side, with the Blues looking to move back to the top of the table by winning their game in hand on Liverpool.

The City boss expects a strong showing from United and had words of support for his rival in the technical are, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer“I expect the best United tomorrow, I am sure. They are proud. Prepare the game as always, see their strong points their weak points and try and win the game.

“I am close to Solskjaer, I understand his position perfectly. We are alone, we feel alone, I understand his position because it happens to all the managers around the world.“It is the reality we have to accept it, if not, stay at home. I understand him perfectly and I am with him. I support him.”

Guardiola maintains that the result is more important than bragging rights against United, with more value being placed on silverware that top billing in Manchester.The Catalan coach added: “The question of dominance is about winning Premier league titles. It’s ok but it’s not the most important thing.“It’s true that we’ve done better than them over the last three years but it is about winning titles, not beating United.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Solskjaer sends transfer warning to misfiring Manchester United stars


Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has warned those struggling for form at Manchester United that “some players will go out” in the summer transfer window.

Many of those who saw their standards dip under former boss Jose Mourinho enjoyed a welcome reversal in fortune when a change in the dugout was made.The likes of Paul Pogba and Anthony Martial were among those to return to favour and deliver the kind of performances expected of them.

Another wobble has been endured since then, though, with United suffering six defeats in their last eight games.Exit talk has started to circulate around key men once more, while those on the fringes of the fold are seeing their respective futures called into question.

Change is expected at Old Trafford over the coming months, amid calls for big money to be spent on fresh faces, and Solskjaer is ready to oversee another squad refresh.

The Red Devils boss has said of his plans as he continues to assess those at his disposal: “Of course you learn about players and now is not the time to talk about making wholesale changes in the squad that’s been doing so great.“City and Liverpool have taken more points than us in the last 18 games and that’s it.

“We were where we were when we came in, really gave it a go, and you can see loads of Manchester United standards, the DNA in these players.“You have to get players in and some players will go out.”

Before any decisions are made on arrivals and departures, United need to end their 2018-19 campaign on a high.They remain in the hunt for a top-four finish, sitting three points off the pace at present, and could draw level with fourth-placed Chelsea when returning to action in midweek.

A derby date with Manchester City is next on the agenda, with Solskjaer looking for a positive response from his side to a disappointing 4-0 defeat at Everton last time out.

He added: “We focus on Wednesday and are sure we’ll get a response.“You don’t punish them as in run up to the mountains and back, we believe in them, these players know they let themselves down as individuals, as a team, me as well.

“I’m in charge and I’m the one giving instructions how we’re going to play and it’s my duty to get them performing better than that and I’m sure we’ll get a response.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Dann understands Zaha's desire to leave amid Man Utd & Tottenham talk


Wilfried Zaha has the quality to succeed at the highest level, according to Scott Dann, who would understand if his Crystal Palace team-mate wished to leave Selhurst Park.Zaha starred for Palace against Arsenal on Sunday, scoring the Eagles' second goal in a 3-2 victory at Emirates Stadium.

That performance followed Zaha's acknowledgement that he might have to leave Palace to further his career, with the Ivory Coast international stating that he is "too ambitious" not to play for a big club and compete for major honours.

Wilfried Zaha has the quality to succeed at the highest level, according to Scott Dann, who would understand if his Crystal Palace team-mate wished to leave Selhurst Park.Zaha starred for Palace against Arsenal on Sunday, scoring the Eagles' second goal in a 3-2 victory at Emirates Stadium.

That performance followed Zaha's acknowledgement that he might have to leave Palace to further his career, with the Ivory Coast international stating that he is "too ambitious" not to play for a big club and compete for major honours.

"Of course we would not want to lose him, but if something happens in the summer and he goes then I am sure it will be in the right way," said Dann."And he is not going to go on the cheap, that is for sure."Palace sit 12th with three games to play and welcome Everton to Selhurst Park on Saturday.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'Arsenal require as much change as Man Utd' - Parlour predicts summer clear out at Emirates


Arsenal require a summer clear out to match that being mooted at Manchester United, claims Ray Parlour.The Gunners have made positive progress in their first season without Arsene Wenger.

Unai Emery has earned plenty of plaudits in his debut campaign, with Arsenal considered to have taken a step forward since parting with an iconic coach who spent 22 years at the helm.

The club are back in the hunt for a top-four finish, while they are also through to the semi-finals of the Europa League once again.Parlour believes that Emery has exceeded expectations, but concedes that there is still much work to be done when it comes to tweaking a squad that requires another refresh in the next transfer window.

The former Gunners midfielder told talkSPORT of the present and future in north London: “This was always going to be a big test for Emery this season.“I said at the start of the season if they get fourth place it would be a brilliant season for Arsenal.

“He’s still finding out his squad and the transfer window is going to be very interesting to see what he does, whether he moves any players out and brings more in.“As much as Manchester United need a big clear out, Arsenal probably do as well.”

Arsenal’s top-four bid suffered a surprising setback in their most recent outing against Crystal Palace.A run of 10 straight Premier League successes on home soil was ended with a 3-2 defeat at Emirates Stadium.

Emery has been questioned for shuffling his pack against the Eagles, and paying the price, but Parlour believes the Spaniard still deserves praise for what he has achieved this season.The ex-England international added: “After seeing Manchester United and Spurs lose, it was a really good opportunity at home.

“Arsenal have had a great record at the Emirates this year – they have only lost to Manchester City in the top six, have drawn with Liverpool and have beat Man Utd, Spurs and Chelsea.“So you would have fancied them, I didn’t see five goals in the game.

“The team selection was very strange. They’d just come off the Napoli win and you’re thinking, ‘let’s kick on now, there’s only four games left, play your strongest team’, but he didn’t.“There were a few mistakes from the manager, but you can’t knock him because he’s done a wonderful job so far.”

Arsenal will be back in action on Wednesday away at Wolves, with three of their remaining four fixtures set to take them out on the road.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Barcelona & Madrid target Jovic will become one of the world's best – Milosevic


Barcelona and Real Madrid target Luka Jovic is a "natural-born killer" who will undoubtedly become one of the best strikers in the world, according to Savo Milosevic.Jovic has been linked with La Liga giants Barca and Madrid after taking Europe by storm this season, scoring 25 goals in all competitions for Eintracht Frankfurt.

Only Bayern Munich star Robert Lewandowski (21) has scored more 2018-19 Bundesliga goals than Jovic (17), whose two-year loan from Portuguese giants Benfica became permanent last week.

Eintracht are reportedly set to cash in on Jovic amid interest from Barca and Madrid, and 102-time Serbia international Milosevic, who hails from the same city – Bijeljina – as his countryman, insisted the 21-year-old striker is destined for greatness.

"Luka is very, very, very special. His capacity for scoring goals is incredible," Milosevic – now head coach of Serbian side Partizan Belgrade – told Omnisport.
"From any position and with any part of the body, he simply senses the goal. He is a natural-born killer."You cannot train some of those things. You have them or not. He will be one of the best strikers in the World.

Milosevic, who spent time with Real Zaragoza, Espanyol, Celta Vigo and Osasuna during his successful playing career as a striker, added: "Both of the big clubs would be great for him and he would be great for Barca or Madrid.
"It would be a good solution for any of those two clubs."

Jovic's goals have helped Eintracht up to fourth in the Bundesliga – the final Champions League qualifying spot – as the German side prepare for a blockbuster Europa League semi-final against Chelsea.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Chelsea 2 Burnley 2: Kante injured as Sarri's men waste chance to go third

Chelsea lost N'Golo Kante and Callum Hudson-Odoi to injury as they missed an opportunity to go third in the Premier League in an entertaining 2-2 draw against Burnley at Stamford Bridge on Monday.

Maurizio Sarri's men were hoping to bounce back from a 2-0 defeat to Liverpool in their previous top-flight outing but they dropped points once again and could be facing key games against Manchester United and Eintracht Frankfurt without Kante.

Burnley – still yet to confirm their survival – went ahead through Jeff Hendrick early on, and although Kante and Gonzalo Higuain saw Chelsea turn things around in the space of two minutes, Ashley Barnes pegged them back in an enthralling first half.


Chelsea did much of the attacking after the interval but Sarri – who was removed from the sidelines in stoppage time – saw his side fail to make the most of top-four rivals Tottenham, Arsenal and United losing at the weekend.

Burnley edged ahead just eight minutes into a thrilling first half when Hendrick sent a fine volley into the bottom-right corner, but the Blues swiftly equalised thanks to Kante's left-footed effort into the roof of the net after fine work from Eden Hazard.
A brilliant move in the 14th minute saw Higuain score for the first time since March 3, rifling in off the crossbar from a tight angle following Cesar Azpilicueta's clever flick.However, Burnley restored parity 10 minutes later when Barnes latched on to Chris Wood's glancing header.

Having lost Hudson-Odoi late in the first half to an apparent shin problem, Kante was unable to come out for the second period due to a reported back injury.Chelsea still looked cohesive going forward and nearly retook the lead in the 51st minute, but Tom Heaton thwarted Higuain – who reacted furiously when he was replaced by Olivier Giroud in the 77th minute.

The hosts piled the pressure on towards the end but failed to craft any further opportunities and Sarri's late ejection for dissent and a fracas after the final whistle – which was met with boos – summed up Chelsea's day.

 

[නෝටි බබා]

Chelsea 2 Burnley 2: Kante injured as Sarri's men waste chance to go third

 

[Frosty]

https://twitter.com/realmadriden/status/1119973919799283712/photo/1
https://twitter.com/ManCity/status/1119953386651226117

 

[Frosty]

premier league wala 3,4 thama open neh. ilaga match tika aniwa balanna ona.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

premier league wala 3,4 thama open neh. ilaga match tika aniwa balanna ona.

Ow bro 3rd & 4th places thamath open.Kawru awida kiyala hithaganna baha​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Tottenham 1 Brighton and Hove Albion 0: Eriksen's late stunner gives Spurs control in top-four battle

Christian Eriksen's stunning late strike secured Tottenham a crucial 1-0 win over Brighton and Hove Albion to give Spurs complete control in the top-four race.

Spurs appeared to be heading for an underwhelming draw that would have seen Brighton edge closer to securing their Premier League safety, but Eriksen struck two minutes from time to cruelly deny Chris Hughton's hard-working side.

After a quiet opening, the first half grew into a lively encounter, with Spurs going closest just before the interval when Dele Alli had an effort blocked on the line.


Spurs stepped things up a notch in the second half but looked to have run out of ideas after Toby Alderweireld hit the post, only for Eriksen to eventually find the net late on, taking Mauricio Pochettino's men four points clear of fifth-placed Arsenal..
Precious little occurred during the early exchanges until Victor Wanyama's wild clearance went just over his own goal following a free-kick in the 14th minute.Spurs livened up soon after and went close to the opener – Lucas Moura collected Eriksen's exquisite pass and played the ball across the face of goal, but Lewis Dunk brilliantly intercepted before Dele Alli could tap in.Brighton were fortunate again a few moments before half-time – Shane Duffy crucially clearing Alli's close-range effort off the line.

Spurs dominated thereafter, but they struggled to break down Brighton's compact defence – Danny Rose's 25-yard strike testing Mat Ryan, before Alderweireld struck the right-hand post 18 minutes from the end.Vincent Janssen was introduced for his first Premier League appearance since August 2017 as Spurs ran out of ideas.

But finally their persistence paid off, as Eriksen's left-footed drive found the bottom-right corner from 30 yards to continue Spurs' unblemished start at their new home and keep Brighton looking over their shoulder at Cardiff City in the relegation battle.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Deportivo Alaves 0 Barcelona 2: Alena and Suarez put champions-elect on brink of title

Carles Alena and Luis Suarez scored as Barcelona took another big step towards defending their LaLiga title with a 2-0 win at Deportivo Alaves.

Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba were among the stars named on the bench by Ernesto Valverde, who rested Ivan Rakitic entirely, but Barca eased to victory at Mendizorroza on Tuesday.Alena and Suarez struck within the space of six second-half minutes to boost Barca ahead of their Champions League semi-final clash with Liverpool next week.

The Catalan giants will be confirmed as LaLiga champions for the eighth time in 11 seasons should nearest rivals Atletico Madrid lose at home to Valencia on Wednesday.
Suarez and Philippe Coutinho had early efforts blocked and the striker then saw his shot kept out by the legs of goalkeeper Fernando Pacheco after he was fed by Ousmane Dembele.

Arturo Vidal headed Dembele's right-wing cross over with Gerard Pique seemingly in a better position behind him as Barca sought the breakthrough.Barca had created few chances in Messi's absence but they took the lead in the 54th minute.

Sergi Roberto, who switched from left-back to right-back at half-time, set up Alena with a clever pass and he beat Pacheco with a placed left-footed finish.It was soon 2-0 in bizarre circumstances, Pique having a goal ruled out for offside as a VAR review instead led to a penalty for a handball by Tomas Pina.

Pacheco chose correctly in diving to his left but Suarez's penalty beat him for pace, and despite Barca taking a two-goal advantage Valverde sent Messi on for Dembele.

Messi and Vidal failed to add to the scoreline in the closing stages but the champagne can go on ice with the title virtually secured.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Solskjaer: Man Utd not ready to compete with City or Liverpool next season


Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says Manchester United have to prove they can be consistent if they are to compete with Liverpool and Manchester City for the Premier League title next season.Ahead of a derby clash with rivals City at Old Trafford on Wednesday, United are 24 points behind leaders Liverpool, although they have played one match fewer.

Solskjaer's side face a battle for Champions League qualification with United, who have lost six of their past eight games in all competitions, three points behind Chelsea in the race for a top-four finish.

United have not won the Premier League since Alex Ferguson retired in 2013 and Solskjaer is uncertain over how competitive the Red Devils can be in 2019-20."I don't think we've got the consistency to do that," Solskjaer told reporters when asked if United can fight City and Liverpool for the title next season.

"Over the last 18 games, we're not far away from them but it's doing it over the course of a season. We've done it for half a season now. Let's see. You can never say never."You cannot expect things to happen overnight and we know that. It will happen gradually and we have to be realistic enough as a club that we have to take it step by step.

"That's not changing 10 players now and bringing 10 players in. It's slowly, slowly but surely. It has to be the right quality, right personality, the right standards to get us back to where we want to be."United fans have been left to weigh up whether they would rather see neighbours City or equally fierce rivals Liverpool be crowned champions.

"It's not about taking something away from others," Solskjaer added. "We have to want to overtake them, and not just because it's City and Liverpool."For a supporter, as I am, and as a manager now as well, we know [them well] because they are so close in the vicinity. "We want to be the best, we have been the best and it's not nice seeing those two at the top."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Solskjaer: Man Utd not ready to compete with City or Liverpool next season

Summer window eka thiyenne ekata thamai​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'I've never hid Premier League desire' - Meunier fuels Man Utd talk


Paris Saint-Germain full-back Thomas Meunier says he has "never hid" his dream of playing in the Premier League amid reports Manchester United are interested in him.It was reported this week that the Red Devils are considering a summer bid for the 27-year-old, whose contract at PSG expires in 2020.

Meunier has made 99 appearances for the French giants since joining from Club Brugge three years ago but is uncertain about his future as talks over a new deal have stalled.

The Belgium international suggested he is open to leaving this summer, but the Premier League is not the only potential destination,Asked by L'Avenir if he knows of interest from English clubs, Meunier replied: "Yes, but not only there. It comes from everywhere. Even from China or the Middle East."

Pressed on his interest in a move to the Premier League, he said: "I never hid it."Reflecting on his contract situation, Meunier admitted he would be disappointed if PSG do not return with an offer to extend his deal soon, even though he acknowledges he has had a difficult campaign in the French capital.

"The discussions with management are hanging around a bit," he added. "I can understand because of the deadlines of the team that my personal case was put in the fridge, but since then nothing has happened, the message seems clear enough. It would annoy me a little if it ends like that, without having the opportunity to finish beautifully.

"It's true, I had a rough season, but a title is still a title and I am very happy. You know, even if I only took part in four or five matches in 2019, my stats, offensive and defensive, are among the best in the PSG defence alongside Bernat's. Last year, although I had played less than during my first season in France, I felt I had progressed. Here, it's the same."

Although PSG have already claimed this season's Ligue 1 title, Thomas Tuchel's side were forced to wait for their big moment as they went on a three-game winless run before being crowned champions after a 3-1 victory against Monaco.

And Meunier feels their recent struggles prove the team need more investment to achieve their dream of winning the Champions League.

"There are many talented young players here who probably do not have enough experience yet," he said. "In addition, when the coach joined early in the season, he called for reinforcements at certain positions and was not heard. Recent results have shown he was right.

"We paid the consequences of our injuries in the league as we did in the Champions League. If you look closely, all those who were injured are boys who took part in the World Cup. And in the first round, we played regularly with the same 14 or 15 players. The overload has had its effects."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Jovic to Madrid a 'real possibility' – Eintracht director


Luka Jovic leaving Eintracht Frankfurt for Real Madrid is a "real possibility", according to sporting director Fredi Bobic.

Jovic has been linked with La Liga champions Barcelona, however, Spanish giants Madrid have reportedly emerged as favourites to sign the in-demand Eintracht star.Bayern Munich has also been linked with the forward, but the two La Liga powerhuses appear to be in pole position to battle it out for Jovic's signature.

The 21-year-old Serbia striker has scored 25 goals in all competitions this season and his two-year loan from Benfica became permanent last week.Amid the growing speculation over Jovic's future, Eintracht director Bobic told ZDF: "There's a real possibility that Jovic signs for Real Madrid.

"I hope and want him to stay here at Eintracht, but I'm also realistic and know that if a big club like Real Madrid want him then we haven't got a chance of keeping him."

Of Jovic's 25 goals, 17 of those have come in the Bundesliga as Eintracht sit fourth in the standings – the final Champions League qualifying spot.Jovic's eight Europa League goals have also helped Eintracht reach the semi-finals, with Premier League side Chelsea awaiting in the last four.In the league, Jovic and Eintracht are set to face Hertha Berlin this weekend.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'There is no hiding place' - Solskjaer demands Man Utd restore pride in derby


Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has called on his Manchester United players to give "absolutely everything" to restore their damaged pride when they come up against Manchester City on Wednesday.Days after their 4-0 trouncing at the hands of Everton - their sixth defeat in eight games - United welcome their city rivals to Old Trafford looking to cause an upset in the Premier League title race.

A win for City will put them back on top of the league and a point above Liverpool with just three games to go, while United are hoping to stay in contention for a top-four finish this season.

Although the pressure is on Pep Guardiola's team to get three vital points against their sixth-placed neighbours, Solskjaer says the game is a perfect opportunity for his side to show their mental resolve by improving on their recent decline."Of course there'll be consequences [for the defeat to Everton]," Solskjaer told Sky Sports. "We're not going to see exactly the same team [against Manchester City].

"It's about a reaction, a response. We can't work on fitness - it's mindsets. I know the players; they're very good, talented players. Everton outran us, outworked us.We have to bring something different [against City]. We know the quality of their team but our fans need to know we've given absolutely everything - tactically, mentally, physically, as well as handling the ball."For me it's the best game we could have. There's no hiding place. The world's watching. The whole of Manchester is watching. Liverpool is watching!

"Our players' pride has been hurt badly - my pride, the club's pride. The game is a great chance to put things right. We know we have a way to go to get where we want to be but it's a step; we can show the standards we want to have."

Solskjaer says he is looking for a completely different performance from his players after being let down in almost every aspect of their game at Goodison Park on Sunday.

"We spoke honestly at half-time and after the game," the Norwegian added. "We know that performance is not acceptable if you want to get to the top where we think we belong. I can say only twice we've really let ourselves down this year in terms of performance - that game [against Everton] and the game against Wolves in the FA Cup."What disappointed me? More or less everything. We'd set the plan out. All four goals were avoidable but that's not where it went wrong. It was the application.

You know that going to Goodison Park is going to be tough. You've got to fight for every inch, second balls, long balls, every challenge and they wanted it more."

But the 46-year-old has complete faith in his squad and is confident they will keep improving over time as they strive to reach the level of rivals City and Liverpool.

"I love the players; they're good lads. They are willing to learn and if they're not willing to learn or pick up the mantle when you're left out, you can either leave it or work harder," he added.

"I can see so many good things about this squad - things that we can improve on - and I have 100 per cent confidence that we can find the right players to come in and fit our mould of the personality and quality.

"You need stability, consistency, a long-term plan. Short-term results is always important because short-term gains make it easier to sell your long-term ideas. We want to find that identity within the group we have. You can't compare but Jurgen [Klopp] and Pep have been very successful in building a team over the years and I think everyone knows that part of the success is having time to build that continuity.

"The work, the ambition, the drive in the coaching staff - both short and long term is unbelievable. We're planning pre-season - we're planning to get fitter - and in terms of the squad we'll see where we feel players will be in two, three years' time because you have to have that long-term planning."