Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s pre-match team talk was hijacked by Manchester United’s mascot Fred the Red, according to reports.
The Norwegian was briefing his players about today’s opponents Tottenham Hotspur when lucky charm Fred burst into the United changing room and commandeered proceedings.
According to our sources, the anthropomorphic red devil told Solskjaer to take a seat before rounding on United’s startled players.
“Lads, it’s Tottenham th’day”, said the mascot in a thick Glaswegian accent.
The source then claims several players were left requiring paper stitches above the eye after being struck by a number of football boots kicked in their direction by an irate Fred.
Before exiting the dressing room, Fred allegedly turned to the players and barked: “Don’t let yourselves doon.”
United’s bewildered stars sat in silence before Solskjaer rose to his feet and yelled: “What are you waiting for? You heard Fred, it’s only Tottenham lads. Easy three points today. Let’s go.”
After executing a series of carefully choreographed dance routines, United’s stars including Paul Pogba headed for the Old Trafford tunnel.
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Discussing the incident with Paddy Power News shortly before kick-off, one player who wishes to remain anonymous and definitely wasn’t Jesse Lingard said:
“None of the boys had a clue what was happening, which isn’t unusual, but this was bonkers.
“We’ve had some mad men come into the changing room before, like Ed Woodward and the Glazer sisters but nothing compares to this.
“The big man spoke like a true boss. All the lads are buzzing,” he added whilst dabbing and simultaneously wiping blood from a gaping head wound.
Meanwhile, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer hasn’t ruled out the possibility of Fred joining United’s coaching staff on a permanent basis.
“You’ll have to ask him that question. Fredsy knows my view. The ball’s in his court’, the 47-year-old told Paddy Power News.
“We’ve already got some great motivators like Michael Carrick in the changing room but Fredsy would bring something totally different.”
In other news, an inebriated mascot matching Fred’s description was seen bounding up Sir Matt Busby Way.
Eyewitnesses claim the large red devil was muttering something about knocking Liverpool off their f***ing perch again.
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