Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer unhappy as delegate’s report reveals Sheffield United errors

'They've admitted their goal should have been disallowed and our goal should have stood. That's a big, big momentum changer for us’

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (Getty Images)

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has revealed that the delegate’s report from Manchester United’s 2-1 defeat to Sheffield United last week confirmed two costly mistakes by the officials.

United fell behind to a Kean Bryan goal that saw Billy Sharp push goalkeeper David de Gea, then had an Anthony Martial equaliser ruled out when Harry Maguire challenged Aaron Ramsdale, the Blades No 1.

Solskjaer felt that Bryan’s opener should not have stood but that Martial’s was a legitimate goal, and now claims to have been vindicated by the Premier League delegate’s match report.

A Premier League delegate is present at every top flight match. Their report is separate from the one composed by the referee’s assessor, which is used to judge an official’s performance.

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“I don't like to bring these up - the momentum shifted for us with the Sheffield United game - but I've got the delegates' report from the ref and the two decisions were wrong,” he said. 

"They've admitted their goal should have been disallowed and our goal should have stood. That's a big, big momentum changer for us. 

"You're more likely to, when you go 1-0 up rather than 1-0 down, go on and win that game. So that's fine margins and it has been the way this season, fine margns. 

“You hit the post, it goes in or it goes out, sometimes you're lucky with decisions, sometimes you're not. We've got to focus on this game and I'm sure the results and performances will come.”

Peter Bankes was the referee for United’s defeat last Wednesday, Solskjaer’s first in the league since losing to Arsenal at Old Trafford on 1 November.

United failed to return to winning ways in Saturday’s reverse fixture against Arsenal at the Emirates and their manager is looking to bounce back for an injury-hit Southampton’s visit on Tuesday night.

"I expect [Southampton] to have a similar team to what we played against, a strong XI. They've got many  injuries over the course of the season with the football they play - high intensity, direct, loads of energy. 

"They've had a patch with loads of injruies, when players come back and come back too early. I've been lucky in that respect, I’ve got a strong and fit and healthy squad. 

“They've had to ask a few times I've had to leave players out with a few niggles. Hopefully they can get theirs fit soon because this season is relentless.”