Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admitted his players were affected by the change in pre-match preparation due to fans protesting outside the stadium, but would not use it as an excuse.
Solskjaer’s side lost two straight home games since the protests began but they have remained second in the table.
Protesters had indicated on social media that they intended to try to repeat their approach of blocking the team from leaving their hotel and travelling to the ground.
Recall that protesters had stormed Old Trafford last week forcing the United clash with Liverpool to be postponed.
Executive boxes were reportedly turned into bedrooms for the players to prepare for the game, but Solskjaer says he would not use it as an excuse for his team’s disappointing 4-2 defeat to Liverpool.
“I think the players handled it well, none of them have complained, just got on with it. We knew it was going to happen so there was no point losing energy on what can’t control,” Solskjaer said after the game.
“Preparation has been different but we’re not going to make an excuse. Everyone who has played at this level knows attention to detail is important and we couldn’t do the usual but, the players handled it well.
“Haven’t’ got result and performance, it’s probably affected them a little bit but not making an excuse of it.”
Liverpool were deserved winners at Old Trafford and on an evening where they looked defensively shaky they really missed their captain Harry Maguire who was sat in the stand with his foot in a protective boot as he recovers from ankle ligament damage.
“Harry has been amazing since he came in, more or less ever-present,” Solskjaer said. “When a player who is leader and captain, his presence is missed.
“Two players came in and it’s a chance to take on some leadership. You can hear him in the stands when he’s not playing he’s important for us, someone else has to take the responsibility.
“Hopefully we can get him for the final but who knows – I don’t know yet.”
