Ole Gunnar Solskjaer Speaks on Man City Win, Competing for Premier League Title & Clean Sheets

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's outstanding record against the rest of the Premier League's big six improved on Sunday as he led his side to a 2-0 win over Manchester City.

Anthony Martial opened the scoring midway through the first half before Scott McTominay caught Ederson out of his net to fire home from long range late on and seal all three points for United.

Understandably, Solskjaer was in a jovial mood when speaking after the game (via the club's ​official website). Here's what he had to say.


On the Importance of the Result

Scott McTominay

“The result is always the deciding factor. I’m so happy with a win and another three points. The performance was as expected against them because you know that you have to defend well. 


"The first 15-20 minutes were harder than maybe we should have made it. We started hurrying them and harassing them higher up and created chances, we had some big ones.

”It’s a privilege to have players like this. The desire and work-rate, that’s what I think the fans love about these players. To see the connections between the players, the team and the fans today [Sunday] - what an atmosphere. 


"At the end, seeing everyone in the stands. You turn around and you see Sir Alex [Ferguson] up there, he is proud and it's a big moment for every one of us.“


On Whether United Can Compete for the Title Soon

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

“We feel we’re improving all the time and we know we lack one, two or three players and some experience, to be considered a title contender. We know that and we’re not going to start talking about that now. 


"We start talking about getting up the table, getting more points and challenging for that top four because ​Chelsea and ​Leicester are too far ahead of us for my liking.”


On Keeping Eight Clean Sheets in Ten Games

Aaron Wan-Bissaka,David De Gea

“Look at the two goals we've conceded though - one shouldn't have been given against Club Brugge because the ball was rolling [from their goal-kick] and the last one was David [De Gea's mistake], so we are getting there.”


On Fred's Booking for Diving

FBL-ENG-PR-MAN UTD-MAN CITY

Shortly before half time, midfielder ​Fred was shown a yellow card for an alleged dive in the penalty area, although replays showed that was more than a little unfortunate to not get the decision.

”He should have had a penalty, it's a clear penalty. It's a clear kick on his ankle [by Nicolas Otamendi]. It is one of those things that you hope doesn't come back to bite us, but we got the result we needed.“


On His Forwards' Relationships

Anthony Martial,Bruno Fernandes

"Anthony and Bruno [Fernandes] have hit it off but Bruno is that type of player. Of course, we've got set routines and I've seen them do it before. We’re going to improve as a team, they’re going to improve as players, because, you know, there were two or three times today, head up and we score goals. 

"Twice Dan James could just square it, once for Bruno, one for Anthony. Anthony should square it for Bruno. Those little things they’ll come, but it’s a privilege because they want to learn as well and they listen to the advice we give them.”


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Source : 90min