Solskjaer reveals top-four fears after Cherries setback

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is backing Manchester United to bounce back from the 1-0 defeat at Bournemouth but admits a place in the top four looks a tall order. After watching his side come unstuck on the south coast, Solskjaer fears a lack of quality could cost his side Champions League qualification unless they can turn things around quickly.
United arrived at the Vitality Stadium in form and searching for a fourth successive away win in the space of just 10 days.
But their mini-revival was abruptly ended after former United forward Joshua King settled the rain-soaked south coast clash with a fine solo effort moments before half-time.
With just 11 games of the Premier League season played, the Reds are already playing catch up in the race for a top-four finish.
And Solskjaer, whose team have been reduced to Europa League football this term, has warned his players that they must dramatically improve in order to return to Europe’s premier club competition.
Even so, he believes they have what it takes to bounce back from the setback. “It’s a test of character when you come down to places like this; 1-0 down, half-time. I thought the response second half, at least we went for it,” said Solskjaer. “We didn’t stop trying but it was the lack of quality that couldn’t give us the point or three. “We need a response because games like this you need to win if you want to challenge for the top four and today we’re disappointed. “But I don’t think it’s the effort or the want to do well. For us we’ve had a good period going into this game, now we’ve got to react to a defeat and I am sure we will.”
United should have been full of confidence on the back of quick-fire wins on the road over Partizan Belgrade, Norwich and Chelsea in three different competitions.
But, after a bright start in Dorset, they soon faded as King found space in the box to pirouette past the out-of-position Aaron Wan-Bissaka and thump home on the volley.