Manchester United's players have been affected by the recent supporter protests, according to manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Fan protests against the club's owners caused the Premier League game against Liverpool at Old Trafford on 2nd May to be postponed.

Supporters again gathered outside the stadium ahead of the rescheduled fixture last week.

United went on to lose 4-2, their second straight defeat in the league.

"We lost the two games, but surely it's reason behind the performances and the results we've had," said Solskjaer.

10,000 fans will attend the game at Old Trafford against Fulham on 18th May.

1. 00:32 - 01:16 SOUNDBITE (English) Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Manchester United manager (asked about fans returning to Old Trafford for the Fulham game)

"Well, we've been waiting for a long, long time to welcome the fans back and of course the last couple of home games – especially the Liverpool ones, with the protests… it's never nice to see a club that is not united, the fans and the team. So of course, we're hoping that Tuesday is going to be a positive day, that we move together, that we play a good game of football, because that's my job – to prepare the team, to play well and that they enjoy the day. That's important now, that we get back and enjoy being together."

2. 06:33 - 07:21 SOUNDBITE (English) Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Manchester United manager (asked if supporter protests have affected the players)

"Yeah, surely. I just didn't want to use that as an excuse. We lost the two games, but surely it's reason behind the performances and the results we've had. Physically, it's impossible for them to turn up and play at the intensity and the level that's required because of the amount of games. Then you look at the preparation in-between. You haven't had the recovery in-between, you haven't had the same routine as you normally do. We haven't done the tactical prep in the same way as we've had. Of course, I'm not saying that it didn't affect them, but was impressed with how professional they were in the way they went about it. There was none of them who complained."

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SOURCE: Premier League Productions

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