This archive report was first published on 8 January 2020.
Manchester United's 3-1 defeat to Manchester City in the League Cup semi-final, first leg, has left manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer questioning his team's mental attitude.
Despite starting the game without a recognised striker, City outclassed United in a 21-minute first-half blitz, scoring all three goals at Old Trafford.
"From their goal until halftime is the worst we've played," Solskjaer told reporters, highlighting the team's poor performance.
"It's natural your head goes down when you feel you're not performing, but we've got to get out of it quicker... It can't be me coming in at halftime, that's the learning this team (must do)."
However, Solskjaer praised his team's second-half performance, which saw them manage to get a foothold in the match with a Marcus Rashford goal, keeping the tie alive ahead of the second leg later this month.
"The second half was a good response, (but) it's a steep mountain to climb," Solskjaer added.
Manchester United will be looking to bounce back from this defeat, but Solskjaer's comments suggest that there is still much work to be done to improve the team's mental attitude.
January 7, 2020 Manchester City's Riyad Mahrez in action with Manchester United's Brandon Williams REUTERS
