Man United has ditched red banners at Old Trafford to improve home form, says Solskjaer

The move came a day after the 25th anniversary of Sir Alex Ferguson's infamous complaints after a loss at Southampton, when he ordered his players to change its grey kits as they were struggling to pick each other out.

Solskjaer said United had changed the colour of the banners from red to black, after his players found it difficult to distinguish red shirts against the red background- GETTY IMAGES

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer took a leaf out of his former boss Alex Ferguson's book and said on Wednesday that he hoped cosmetic changes in the club's stands could bring about a change in their home form this season.

Solskjaer said United had changed the colour of the banners around the pitch from red to black, after his players found it difficult to distinguish red shirts against the red background.

The move came a day after the 25th anniversary of former United boss Alex Ferguson's infamous complaints after a loss at Southampton, when he ordered his players to change their grey kits as they were struggling to pick each other out.

"You'll see a change now the banners around the place. It is not red anymore, we have looked into this," Solskjaer told a news conference.

"It shouldn't be any reason really. But, some of the players have mentioned that (in a) split-second decision, red shirts on red seats (is confusing), we have tried to change that along with the anti-racism campaign. That was important it is not red anymore," he added.

United is in a s trong position ahead of Thursday's Europa League quarter-final return leg against Granada at Old Trafford. However, Solskjaer will be without suspended trio Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw and Scott McTominay. Marcus Rashford did not train on Wednesday due to a foot injury and could sit out of the match.

The Norwegian hoped his side can get the job done, even without the absentees.

"There will be a few changes, some of them are enforced, some are maybe rotation," Solskjaer said.

"We have to make sure we go through. I know Granada will want to come, give it their all, but we also want to improve on our performances, build on the momentum we're on with a good performance," he said.