Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has responded to criticism from former Manchester United striker Robin van Persie following his side's 2-0 defeat to Arsenal.
Solskjaer's side put in a below par performance as they were comfortably beaten by the Gunners at the Emirates, with new Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta securing his first win since taking charge.
Following Solskjaer's post-match interview, BT Sport pundit Van Persie hit out at the Man Utd boss' demeanour, criticising him for smiling and not being angry enough after the disappointing defeat.
Van Persie, who joined United from Arsenal in 2012 for Sir Alex Ferguson's final season in charge, said: "When I listen to Ole, he sounds like a really nice guy. I would like to see him a bit meaner at times, just be angry. I see him smiling now after a game like that.
"This is not the moment to smile."
However, the Man Utd manager has dismissed van Persie's comments, saying, as quoted by BBC Sport: "I don't know Robin and Robin doesn't know me. He probably doesn't have a right to criticise my management style and I won't change."
The Dutch striker found the net 48 times in 86 appearances for United, with 26 of those goals coming in a single season in 2012/13. He played a pivotal role in United's title winning campaign that year - and it remains the last time United were crowned Premier League champions. Van Persie then departed for Fenerbahce in 2015.
Solskjaer meanwhile hit 91 goals in 235 appearances for United between 1996 and 2007.
Referencing the pair's shared history as great Manchester United strikers, Solskjaer added: "Yeah Robin, he took my [shirt] number 20 and that's probably all he's going to take from me as well."
The defeat left Solskjaer's side in fifth, five points off Chelsea in the final Champions League spot.
United's loss at Arsenal also ended the Red Devils' hopes of securing a third win on the bounce for the first time this season, as Solskjaer's side continue to struggle for consistency in the Premier League.
United have not registered three consecutive league wins since March 2019, when the Red Devils recorded wins over Fulham, Leicester and Watford.
This was followed by defeat to Wolves in the FA Cup quarter finals. United will be hoping for better fortunes in the competition this time around, as once again they face Nuno Espirito Santo's side at Molineux in the third round on Saturday.
Source :
90min
