The punishing festive schedule gave managers the perfect excuse to pick weakened teams in the FA Cup, and that didn’t only apply to Premier League clubs. England’s premier domestic cup competition has become a reserve competition in its early rounds. Those clubs in the bottom half of the Premier League do not want to see their attempts to stay in the division derailed. Solskjaer may have spent the week lashing out at former United striker Robin van Persie for his criticism of the club’s performances, but the Dutchman is right. There is no fear factor for United anymore.

Source: Irish Examiner January 06, 2020 11:53 UTC