Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer defends 'easy target' Premier League footballers after pay cut backlash

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer believes footballers are an "easy target", insisting criticism during the coronavirus pandemic has been unfair.

The pandemic continues to impact the nation both in health and finances, Premier League players receiving widespread criticism for their perceived lack of assistance; health secretary Matt Hancock and London Mayor Sadiq Khan calling for them to take wage reductions.

A number of footballing figures - including Wayne Rooney, Gary Lineker, Andros Townsend and Danny Rose - have dismissed such criticism, believing footballers are under an intense and prejudicial spotlight.

Solskjaer - speaking to Sky Sports' Gary Neville and Geoff Shreeves - harmonises with such sentiments, reiterating footballers have been and are still attempting help where they can.

"Football is an easy target sometimes," Solskjaer said. "For me it's unfair to call on any individual or footballers as a group because I already know players do a great amount of work in the community, and players are doing a lot to help this situation.

"Discussions are taking place between players and clubs, what kind of contribution they'll make. It's not easy for anyone, and to be called out is not fair for me.

"Mistakes are being made and have been made by loads of people and that's how we learn as well. Now it's about making better decisions, good decisions, I think we all want to help the NHS, the communities, and I think it's important every single club do what they think is right.

"We're all good people, and I'm sure we all want this to be over with as soon as possible. For me it's about following the guidelines from the government as well."

A number of clubs have placed some of their staff on furlough leave but Manchester United announced on Monday all of their staff will continue to be paid in full.

There have also been a plethora of donations provided by a number of footballing figures in different forms, from Danny Rose's Domino's donation to Marcus Rashford raising £150,000 to ensure school kids are fed during coronavirus crisis.

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