Published 12:04 IST, January 6th 2021
Solskjaer responds to Klopp's Man United penalty jibe with Benitez's infamous 'facts' rant
Man United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has responded to Jurgen Klopp for his comments about the Red Devils' penalty record in the recent past.
Advertisement
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has responded to Jurgen Klopp's Manchester United penalty jibe, suggesting that manrs who keep bringing it up try and influence referees. Liverpool boss, after his team's 0-1 defeat against Southampton on Monday, claimed that United have had more spot-kicks in two years under Solskjaer than he has in five-and-a-half years at Anfield. Red Devils have been awarded 11 penalties in all competitions this season, with six of those coming in league, while Klopp’s Liverpool have been awarded five in league.
Advertisement
Solskjaer responds to Klopp's comments about Man United penalties
While speaking to reporters ahead of Man United's Carabao Cup semi-final clash against Man City, Solskjaer made a subtle reference to 2009 'facts' rant by former Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez. "He (Klopp) is speaking facts. That is my answer because it's a fact that we have received more penalties than m (Liverpool)." Solskjaer said with a smile.
Advertisement
United have received 42 penalties in all competitions since Solskjaer took over in December 2018, compared to Liverpool winning 19 in same time frame. rwegian added, "I don't kw how many penalties Liverpool have had because I'm t keeping a count." Last season, Man United were awarded a total of 22 penalties in all competitions, which was most in Europe's top five leagues in previous five years.
However, Klopp isn't first manr to mention Man United's penalty record. Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho had previously taken a dig at his old club while Frank Lampard also brought it up before Chelsea faced United in last season's FA Cup semi-final.
Advertisement
Solskjaer went on to explain that when rival manrs speak about Man United's penalties, it influences referees to be more cautious. "I can't talk on behalf of or manrs, why y say things like this but obviously, I felt it worked last year in FA Cup semi-final because Frank spoke about it. We had a nailed-on penalty that we should have had and didn't get, so maybe it's a way of influencing referees."
Advertisement
Klopp's dig at Man United came after Liverpool were denied what appeared to be a penalty in ir game against Southampton at hour mark. Liverpool and Man United are currently joint-top in Premier League standings but Red Devils still have a game in hand. two English giants will square off at Anfield on January 17.
Advertisement
Im Credits - Liverpool, Man United Instagram
12:04 IST, January 6th 2021