Solskjaer admits Man Utd flops need to ‘sort their heads out’ as they face ‘uphill challenge for top four’

OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER has admitted that sealing a place in the top four will be an “uphill challenge” for his under-performing Manchester United stars.

The Norwegian saw his side slump to a dismal 1-0 defeat at strugglers Newcastle United that leaves the Red Devils just one point above their lowly conquerors.

Debutant Matty Longstaff’s 72nd minute strike was enough to sink the toothless 20-time Premier League winners at St James’ Park.

But after the game Solskjaer urged for togetherness as he told Sky Sports:”It will take however long it will have to take. It’s a journey we’ve started on and the culture is getting there. I can’t give you any time but we’re getting there.

“We’ve given ourselves a big, big uphill challenge to get among the top four but it’s tight and we need to get a run together.

“We’ve come together and discussed the direction we’re going. If you only work on sunny days you’ll never get to your destination. We’ll have these days but we know where we want to get to.”

The United boss also bemoaned his side’s lack of cutting edge in front of goal: “We’re disappointed. We did lack quite a few key players but that’s no excuse. The players worked hard and ran their socks off but at the moment we’re in a place we’re not used to.

“Some of the boys lack a little bit of composure and we don’t create enough chances to win a game of football.

“They stay together as a team but we don’t create.

“Luckily for us it’s now the international break. We get time to evaluate what’s gone on over these eight games. We will sit down, hopefully we’ll get a few players back. It’s my responsibility.

“I need to sort their heads out. Young boys lacking confidence – they need some help from experienced players and staff.

“They’re human and they want to do well. They need to see the results of their hard work and we’re not getting those results so that’s going to affect them.

“The first half was the sloppiest we’ve been. In the second half we dominated but we didn’t create.

“We’ve not changed a lot. We’ve played the same way and stuck to our principles. The players are working hard. We’ve had six out from the Chelsea game and that’s going to affect results. But we’ll work hard and get the quality back.”

United next face a daunting task as they host Liverpool after the international break. The Reds’ last-gasp win over Leicester City meant that Jurgen Klopp’s side have won all of their opening eight matches – looking imperious in the process.

After that test Solskjaer’s side face trips to Partizan Belgrade and Norwich City before another crunch clash against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

And if United’s fortunes don’t improve, the 46-year-old’s days at Old Trafford could be numbered.