The Norwegian boss does not believe the Red Devils can capture their local rivals despite picking up a derby that inspires confidence.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has ruled out a late Premier League title push for Manchester United, insisting City’s local rivals are “too far ahead”.
United moved back up to second place in the table by beating their neighbors 2-0 at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, thanks to goals from Bruno Fernandes and Luke Shaw.
However, the Red Devils are still 11 points behind City with just ten fixtures left and Solskjaer cannot see his side building that gap.
What was said?
“We just play one game at a time,” Norway’s head coach told reporters after the game. “Cities are too far ahead to think we can capture them. Last year we got 15 points up on Leicester, but City are a different proposition.
“Even today they put us under so much pressure that you could see we were playing against a really good team.
“When you come away with a 2-0 win and another clean sheet and a show like this you are overjoyed.”
How did United see away City?
Solskjaer saw his team get off to the best possible start at the Etihad Stadium after getting a penalty with just two minutes on the clock.
The referee had no choice but to pay attention to the spot after Gabriel Jesus’ club challenge on Anthony Martial, and Fernandes stood up to achieve his 16th goal of the season.
City had a chance to get back into the game, with Ilkay Gundogan guilty of a foul finish and Rodri seeing a thunderous effort kick off the bar before the visitors grabbed a crucial second goal.
United goalkeeper Dean Henderson found Shaw with a very smooth throw out from the back and the defender started an interesting run into the box which ended with a shot into the far corner of the box. net after a quick two by Marcus Rashford.
What now?
The Red Devils will now begin preparing for a round of 16 first leg meetings with AC Milan in the Europa League on Thursday. Solskjaer’s men are set to return to action in the Premier League three days later, with a home game against West Ham flying high.