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Man Utd news: Wolves defeat triggers fixture change that will HELP in Barcelona clash
MANCHESTER UNITED may be disheartened by their FA Cup quarter-final loss to Wolves, but it now means they have an extra advantage ahead of their Champions League tie with Barcelona.
Goals from Raul Jimenez and Diogo Jota were enough to secure Wolves a 2-1 win over United at Molineux.
The game was dominated for large parts by Wolves as United succumbed to a second successive defeat for the first time under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Solskjser’s record at United is now 14 wins in 19 games, but they do still find themselves in a healthy battle for the top four in the league.
And ahead of their first leg with Barcelona in the Champions League, United will have an eight day break thanks to their FA Cup exit.
United were originally scheduled to play Wolves in the Premier League just four days before the Barca game.
But the game was rescheduled once Wolves were drawn to United in the cup, with the knowledge that one of them wouldn’t be able to play the Premier League game due to semi-final duties.
An eight-day break will be much needed for United, who will want to do their best in the Champions League, a competition they haven’t performed well in for years.
On the loss to Wolves, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was quick to lament his side’s slowness.
"We started too slowly and played into their hands. Our possession wasn't bright enough and quick enough, so it's disappointing,” he said.
"I didn't think we had enough quality in the last third, enough combination play.
“We had decent dominance with the ball in the first half but that doesn't help if you give the ball away and they can counter.
"This was a big step backwards, mainly because of the quality of the possession and the passing."
Solskjaer then noted that his side had to bounce back after the international break was finished.
"Some of the players go away with the national teams and they'll enjoy the break. We've got to go again,” he added.
“We've had a great run and now we've had two defeats. Against Arsenal we just couldn't score and today was poor - the poorest we've played.
"I'm here until the summer, we've got loads to play for in the league and the Champions League."