Andy Mitten - Editor of United We Stand - joined Ger and Eoin on this Thursday's OTB AM to look back on Manchester United's defeat to PSG last night.
The result leave United needing to secure a point away to Leipzig next Tuesday night, in order to qualify for the last 16 of the Champions League.
The major talking point of last night's defeat surrounded the 70th minute red card to United midfielder Fred, who was sent off for a second bookable offence less than a minute after PSG had gone 2-1 in front.
And while the yellow card looked a soft decision, the Brazilian had nobody to blame but himself. He'd been living on borrowed time since the first half of the game, when he was given his first yellow card for a head-contact with Leandro Paredes, replays showing he was more than lucky to avoid a straight red.
And after avoiding another yellow card later in the opening half, it seemed inevitable he'd ben called ashore at half time. However, Solskjaer showed his faith in Fred, which was ultimately a poor call, with his midfielder shown the inevitable red card 20 minutes from time.
Andy Mitten explained to Ger and Eoin on OTB AM why Solskjaer didn't prevent the inevitable from happening.
"Fred is a talking point. He was lucky to stay on the pitch after he was booked in the first half, a head contact against Leandro Paredes," he said.
"Even Ole Gunnar admitted that he should have made that change. From his perspective, and I know what's going on inside there, they didn't feel that they had a player who they could bring on for Fred with the pace to go up against and extremely fast PSG team.
"I asked why wasn't Matic brought on. They felt that over five yards, Matic would keep getting done.
"Looking at the big picture this is a manager who feels he still needs to strengthen, he still needs better players in there.
"I can see the point of view, but that's wrapped and shrouded in disappointment, and just wanting to scream at Fred," he added.
Mitten remarked that Fred should have been wiser to PSG's tactics, as they seemingly drew the Manchester United midfielder towards his own fate.
"He is a good player, but he's been very frustrating in a couple of games recently. He was exceptionally poor against Arsenal, but he's been one of the best players in other big matches. If you can survive getting sent off as he did (in the opening half) then maybe you should be cute enough to know that if the referee hasn't got it on for you, the PSG players have as well."
Andy Mitten | Ole safe for now
The loss for United still leaves qualification in their own hands, but they will have to avoid defeat away to Leipzig next Tuesday.
Defeat would send them back into the Europa League, and could put fresh pressure on the future of Solskjaer, according to Mitten.
However, he says United's recent form has likely bought Solskjaer more time, as they continue to circle the roundabout.
"Today he's absolutely secure in his job, but as you say; lose against West Ham managed by David Moyes in a stadium where United have been poor in recent seasons, go out of the Champions League and it puts a totally different perspective on things, and the pressure will build. The vultures will start picking off as well, and they're entitled to."
"As of today, following a defeat, following four straight wins after that defeat in Istanbul, he's secure. I spoke to him for 9 or 10 minutes the other day, and he said 'I think we're getting better'. and I think they are getting better."
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