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. 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, butthe Dutchman is right. There is no fear factor for United anymore. The fact that United avoidingdefeat against Wolves was seen as a surprise is a damning indictment of theirreduced expectations.

Source: Irish Examiner January 06, 2020 05:48 UTC