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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer: This is the reason for Man Utd defeat to Wolves
OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER has pinpointed the reason behind Manchester United’s 2-1 defeat to Wolves in last night’s Premier League clash.
Man United: Solskjaer reacts to 2-1 loss against Wolves
Chris Smalling's own goal condemned 10-man Manchester United to their third defeat in four games as they missed the chance to climb back into the Champions League spots.
Scott McTominay's first United goal put the visitors ahead but Fred's mistake allowed Diogo Jota to level in the first half.
Full-back Ashley Young was sent off midway through the second half for two bookings in five minutes.
Smalling put into his own net from close range with 13 minutes left to win it for Wolves, who sit seventh in the Premier League ahead of Sunday's FA Cup semi-final against Watford.
The defeat comes just over two weeks after United lost 2-1 in the FA Cup quarter-final at Molineux.
Ander Herrera, who has been linked with a move away from the club, was injured while Marcus Rashford was sidelined with an ankle problem.
United, though, should have been 3-0 up inside 16 minutes as Romelu Lukaku and Jesse Lingard missed glorious chances either side of McTominay’s opener.
Jota levelled after 25 minutes after Joao Moutinho robbed Fred following David De Gea's short pass and it got worse for United when Young saw red after 57 minutes for his second foul on Jota - referee Mike Dean's 100th Premier League dismissal.
The result keeps United fifth in the Premier League, one place behind Tottenham on goal difference.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side have six league games remaining and face Barcelona in their Champions League quarter-final first leg next week.
Why did Man Utd lose to Wolves?
Boss Solskjaer admitted his side had been punished by Wolves for not being clinical with their chances - and the Norwegian coach bemoaned the “sloppy mistakes” made by his players.
He said: "It was one of those days when we've done more than enough to score three or four goals. Some great chances and some fantastic saves by the keeper."
Solskjaer added: "They deserve credit because they scored goals when they pounced on our mistakes.
"I thought the lads played well today, we created chances, with 10 men as well.
"We conceded goals, sloppy mistakes, and we didn't score ourselves. You don't always get what you deserve."
Despite the costly mistakes made by United’s players, former midfielder Owen Hargreaves believes goalkeeper David de Gea should also take a share of the blame.
He said: “It was a bad day at the office for David de Gea and a big blow for United and that top four.
“Very rarely do you see De Gea make that many mistakes in a game.”
Meanwhile, Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo insisted he did not consider resting players for the United clash despite their upcoming FA Cup trip to Wembley this weekend.
Man United: De Gea should do better for Wolves goal says Riise
He said: "No, there's no such thing. There was the game, there was a game plan, we take the decisions and the options and we prepare for the next one.
"The preparation for the next game starts tomorrow.
"Two very good results against such a good team requires a lot and the boys worked very well.
"I'm pleased with the performance, that's what is important. To do it twice makes the effort worthwhile. It's not easy to play against Man United."