Disappointing second half in Rome shows why Solskjaer is reluctant to rotate ahead of congested fixture list

“We have to be able to play 50 games. It needs planning.” Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s words came in a press conference before the Premier League declared his team would have to play three games in five days from Sunday, but they echoed throughout their second leg against AS Roma. Cavani celebrates after scoring his second goal last night It was the 55th game of United’s 2020-21 season, with three players in the starting line up with 50 or more appearances this campaign. A disappointing second half against Roma is why Solskjaer wants several players who can play upwards of 45 games a season rather than have several more players who can chip in with 20 appearances apiece. “We’ve not been dealt a good hand, but we’ll play it as well as we can.” Solskjaer started the 2020-21 season only 34 days after a Europa League semi-final defeat by Sevilla.