Ahead of Facing Chelsea, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer Complains about the FA Cup Schedule

DBasia.news – Manchester United manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer complained about the FA Cup Semifinal schedule ahead of the match against Chelsea. Solskjaer believes that his club had fewer breaks than the Blues.

The Blues had a longer break period of two days before undergoing the FA Cup semifinal match on Sunday (7/19). While the Red Devils must face Crystal Palace in the Premiere League on Thursday (16/7) tonight before returning to London three days later to play against Chelsea at Wembley.

United endured the busy schedule, Chelsea will take a break since the 1-0 win over Norwich on Tuesday. United also played on Monday (7/13) with a 2-2 draw against Southampton, with Chelsea in action at Sheffield United last Saturday (11/7).

There is little chance for Solskjaer to rest the players against Palace as United are chasing to finish in the top four in the race to qualify for the Champions League. United are currently in fifth place, behind Leicester on goal difference and four points adrift of third-place, Chelsea.

Solskjaer is worried that United’s efforts to reach the FA Cup final are being threatened by match schedules.

“There is concern, obviously, that they have more than 48 hours of rest and recovery from us. That’s not fair,” Solskjaer said.

“We are talking about a fair scheduling to restart this. Of course not. But I have to think about Thursday. We have to win that one, focus on that one, and then let’s take part after that.”

However, Solskjaer believes United has the energy and drive to overcome tight schedules despite the fitness concerns of Mason Greenwood, Luke Shaw, and Brandon Williams.

“We don’t really play every three days – we will definitely do it now,”

“The next two weeks will be busy but, once again, we are fit. Very fit. Our players haven’t felt like this for years, I’m sure. It was a big thing towards the end of last season that we felt our team wasn’t fit enough “We have had a number of injuries. This season we have no such problems.”

“No, that won’t be a problem for us but 24 hours, 48 hours is a big difference right now.” He concluded.