Solskjaer: We know we have to earn it

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says his players will have to ‘earn’ all three points when we meet Burnley at Old Trafford on Wednesday.

United ran out 2-0 winners over the Clarets at Turf Moor at the end of December, but the boss believes Sean Dyche’s side will pose a tough test, especially after their impressive 2-1 victory over Leicester City on Sunday.

"“We played them two or three weeks ago,”" Ole reminded reporters at his pre-match press conference. "“We had to work really hard to get the points."

"“We played well, we defended really well and, every time we play against Sean's team, we know we have to earn it.”"

Burnley arrive at the Theatre of Dreams unbeaten in their last three visits.

A goalless draw in October 2016, during which Ander Herrera saw red, was followed up by a thrilling Boxing Day 2-2 in 2017, when a brace from Jesse Lingard helped us recover from two goals down.

A similar comeback occurred 12 months ago on the Clarets’ last trip down the M66, thanks to late goals from Paul Pogba and Victor Lindelof, and Solskjaer is looking for a repeat of the character his players showed that night, albeit with a different end result.

"“Last season here was the first time I saw the players coming back from a setback,”" Ole added.

"“We were 2-0 down with seven or eight minutes to go, we got back into the game with 2-2, so we're going to approach this game as we would do if they had won five in a row. "

"“They'll always give you a tough game.”"

Dyche’s side currently sit 13th in the Premier League, five points clear of the relegation zone after a tough festive schedule which saw the east Lancashire side lose four in a row prior to Sunday’s win over the Foxes.

Nevertheless, Solskjaer had kind words to say about the 48-year-old, who is the Premier League’s second-longest serving manager, after Bournemouth’s Eddie Howe.

"“He's doing fantastic, I have to say. That's all I can say. "

"“We can talk about resources and his players, we can talk about us being stretched, that we're missing players now. "

"“Of course he's missing [the injured] Ashley Barnes and they've got players that can come in.”"