OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER joined rival Jurgen Klopp in hitting out at English football returning to its rough-house ways.

Manchester United boss Solskjaer felt there was a foul on Bruno Fernandes by Jack Stephens in the lead-up to Southampton’s opener in Sunday’s 1-1 draw at St Mary’s.

Stephens’ challenge may well have been chalked off last season but refs are being more lenient this term.

Solskjaer likened it to going from “volleyball to rugby”, following on from Klopp blasting Burnley’s “wrestling” during Liverpool’s 2-0 win over the Clarets on Saturday.

The Red Devils chief said: “We should do better, if you don't get a foul, we should make sure we block the shot, put your body on the line and make sure they don't get a strike on target.

“That being said, it's a foul, he goes straight through Bruno, with his arm across him. 

“I'm a bit, not worried, but we have to look at it because we can't go from one extreme of volleyball and basketball last year to rugby now. 

“I like the more lenient way, it's more men's football but still, that's a clear foul. 

Most read in Football

BETTING SPECIAL – GET £50 IN FREE BETS WITH SKY BET

“That being said, you could see early on, with the fans, it gets the crowd going when you’re flying into tackles and we did suffer a few tackles and that was part of their thinking early on, it looked like.”

Saints took the lead through Fred’s own goal before Mason Greenwood rescued a point with a clinical finish early in the second-half.

Solskjaer added: “After we scored, we did well to get the goal, build pressure, had another five or six minutes with a good spell and then we lost our way a little bit.

“Maybe tiredness, sloppiness came in and we gave their crowd stuff to cheer about because they had a few counter-attacks and some dangerous moments.”

Goalscorer Greenwood, 19, said: "There's a little bit of disappointment. 

“I think we should have got all three points with a late goal. Southampton did well. They defended well but I think we should have went for it after the equaliser but unfortunately we didn't.”

It's hard coming away from home to play at these away grounds – and with the fans back today it makes a difference.

The draw saw United make it 27 unbeaten away Premier League games in a row, equalling a record set by Arsenal’s Invincibles in 2004.

On that feat, Greenwood added: “We've done well.

“It's hard coming away from home to play at these away grounds and with the fans back today it makes a difference, but hopefully we can go onto the next game and win.”

⚽ Read our Transfer news live blog for the very latest rumours, gossip and done deals

FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS

Source: Read Full Article