Ole Gunnar Solskjaer insisted the furore around the European Super League and protests against Manchester United’s owners have not been a distraction as a goalless draw at Leeds United left Manchester City on the brink of clinching the Premier League title.
United stretched their unbeaten run to 24 away from home in the league at Elland Road, but the draw means that should United lose at home to Liverpool next weekend, and City win at Crystal Palace, then Pep Guardiola’s side are officially champions.
In their first match since the spectacular collapse of the Super League, United were in no way superior to Leeds, who are a very different defensive unit than the one hammered by their great rivals 6-2 in December.
Before the match, United fans chartered a plane to fly over Elland Road to object to the Glazer family’s ownership of the club, with mass protests taking place outside Old Trafford and the club’s training ground this week.
On the pitch, chances were few and far between, with Marcus Rashford denied by a brilliant Illan Meslier save in the first half, and Bruno Fernandes missing a great opportunity in the second, but the visitors could not find a way through, as they played out their seventh 0-0 draw in the league this season – more than any other club.
“I wasn’t aware and I don’t think the boys have seen that,” Solskjaer said of the plane banner. “Of course, it was a difficult week, but the focus to prepare for this game was really good.
“The boys have such a determination to finish the season strongly. We are very focused for Roma [in the Europa League semi-final] and we have got Liverpool in between. I am not worried about that [Super League distraction] at all.
“Second half today we looked strong. I liked what I saw out there. We dominated and played in their half. Today we just did not take our chances when we had them. A draw is disappointing as we wanted to put the pressure on City.”
Leeds’ impressive first season back in the Premier League continues, as they remain unbeaten at home against five of the six clubs who tried to breakaway, with Tottenham still to play.
“In none of the games against ‘Big Six’ sides, apart from the Arsenal game where we dominated for much of it, did we look too troubled,” Marcelo Bielsa said.
“The draws against Man City, Liverpool, Chelsea and this are good games to judge the players. That we have created a base where we can progress even further.”
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