Solskjaer makes 'keep it peaceful' plea as Man Utd fans plan protest

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has urged Manchester United supporters to "keep it peaceful" with their protests against the club's owners.

A demonstration by disgruntled fans is expected to take place before Sunday's Premier League clash with Liverpool at Old Trafford.

The Glazer family's ownership of United has not been popular for many years, but the club's involvement in the recent European Super League plans saw confidence in the hierarchy take a further hit.

United signed up but then withdrew from the competition 48 hours after the league was launched, along with domestic rivals Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham and Liverpool.

Executives and owners of those clubs have taken flak from fans who objected to the 'breakaway' nature of the Super League. There have been supporter protests at various grounds around the country, and now United's stadium could see a big turnout from disenchanted fans.

"It's important the fans' views are listened to and we communicate better," Solskjaer said.

He added: "When the protests are going on, it's important that they go in a good fashion and that we keep it peaceful."

Solskjaer was unsurprisingly not inclined to criticise the owners, instead pointing to the support he has found when looking to strengthen the United squad.

"My job is to focus on the football side," said the Norwegian, whose team sit second in the Premier League and have one foot in the Europa League final.

"I've been backed, I've had great support from the club and the owners, and I'm sure I will get the backing again to go one step further."

"Throughout the season you have games you look forward to and Liverpool is one of the biggest — this is a massive game." The boss turns his attention to Sunday's #PL showdown with Liverpool...#MUFC #MUNLIV

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) April 30, 2021

United's 6-2 win over Roma on Thursday in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final should mean the return game in Italy is as near to a formality as such matches can be.

Now United have a chance not only to tighten their grip on second place, but also to dent Liverpool's Champions League qualifying prospects.

Jurgen Klopp's Premier League champions have seen their crown slip this term, and they trail fourth-placed Chelsea by four points with just five games to play.

Defeat at Old Trafford would be a hammer blow to those hopes, but Solskjaer dismissed the idea it could be on his players' minds.

He said: "We're just thinking about winning ourselves. Whatever that does to Liverpool cannot be of our concern.

"Throughout the season you have games you look forward to and this Liverpool game at home is one of the biggest games of the season.

"It doesn't matter if we're first or second or third or fourth. No matter what, this is a massive, massive game."