Home » Ole Gunnar Solskjaer: Manchester United’s defence were superb

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer: Manchester United’s defence were superb

by Marwan Harraz

Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has reserved special praise for his defence after their solid performance vs Watford.

Luke Shaw, Ashley Young, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling made up the backline who fought their way to all three points against the London club.

United had scored twice through Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial and they would’ve come away with a clean-sheet as well had it not been for a superbly worked Watford goal.

Solskjaer’s praise was well deserved given how well the defenders worked to contain the away team but he did notably leave one name out.

The Norwegian has been lauded for bringing back the goals to Old Trafford but his defensive job has often gone under the radar.

According to the club’s official website, Ole said: “Shawy [Luke Shaw], I think he was one of the big plusses. Rashy and Anthony up front too, but the two centre-backs with [Phil] Jones, especially, and Chris [Smalling], I thought they defended well for us.

“Without them today, I think it would have been a different result, I have to say.”

Young is the one defender that wasn’t mentioned and it wasn’t a surprise given the torrid afternoon he endured.

Watford’s Gerard Deulofeu made it a point to constantly attack down his flank and it worked as the veteran struggled to contain his opponent.

Ander Herrera often had to shuffle across and provide protection for Ashley with even Juan Mata initially dropping back for support.

Plenty of reports have claimed Solskjaer is looking into bringing in new full-backs and it wouldn’t upset United fans if he looked to replace the former Aston Villa man first.

Latest Top Stories...