League Cup: Solskjaer Points Out ‘Absolute Joke’ In City Game That Cost Manchester United Place In Final [Video]

Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer blasted the referees, calling their decision to send off Nemanja Matic an “absolute joke” in their 1-0 win over Manchester City in the League Cup semi-final match on Wednesday.

Before receiving the red call, Matic scored half-volley in the first half but the goal was not enough as Man Utd ended up losing 3-2 on aggregate.

In an intense post-match interview, Solskjaer criticized the referees for the red card and for not penalizing their opponents on several occasions.

“It’s hard to score with 11 here, never mind 10. Never a sending off. For me, an absolute joke. It’s ironic really that he gets a yellow with his first foul, almost gets a yellow with his second foul, which isn’t even a foul."

"Yep, the last one is a yellow card, but a red overall? Nowhere near. How many times did they foul us today? How many times was Dan James fouled? In the first half, Jesse? They’ve given us absolutely everything these boys, I’m so incredibly proud. To come here and win twice in a short space,” Solskjaer told Sky Sports.

He also praised his players for defeating the arch-rivals Man City twice in a span of a few days. “For me, it shouldn’t be like this because I’m so proud of the players, they’ve beaten City now twice in six weeks at their place. We’ve come so far with these boys. They’ve given us absolutely everything,” the Man Utd boss added.

Man City are set to face Ashton Villa in the League Cup final in March at the Wembley Stadium.

Meanwhile, Matic will have to serve a one-match ban but in his absence, Man Utd’s new signing could make his debut.

A deal reportedly has been agreed between Man Utd and Sporting Lisbon for Bruno Fernandes, who is expected to take the medical test Thursday. When Solskjaer was asked about the Portuguese, he said, “Hopefully we’ll get it over the line and then we can talk more about the boy.”