Solskjaer praises performances of four United players against Roma

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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has picked out four Manchester United players who impressed him against Roma.

Solskjaer’s press conference was filmed after last night’s 6-2 win and was posted on the club’s official app at 1.30pm today.

He said he was pleased with the performances of Edinson Cavani, Paul Pogba, Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford.

Unlike the others named, Rashford wasn’t on the scoresheet last night and Solskjaer thinks that means his performance won’t get the credit it deserves.

“I think the whole team took responsibility, of course, Bruno was part of that as well,” said Solskjaer.

“We picked an experienced team to handle setbacks, to be able to handle setbacks. It was a big plus for me the way Bruno, Paul, Edinson, Marcus (played).

“Even at his young age, the runs he made in the second half he might not get the credit for it, but his movement was excellent.

“Against Liverpool we need experience, we need quality, we need to defend well, we need every aspect of the game because we know the quality they have got and they can hit that quality against us easily.” 

Rashford started the match on the right flank. He always looks more comfortable on the left.

What Solskjaer is talking about – off the ball movement – is not something that the stats or a glance at the scoresheet will show you.

But what it does is push defences back, giving the likes of Pogba and Fernandes more space to operate in.

It makes defenders tired and creates disorganisation in their ranks. It also means United have variety in their play.

All of the other forwards Solskjaer started last night like to come towards the ball and get it into feet but Rashford can stretch defences the other way.

As a former forward himself, Solskjaer knows that strikers can often not get the credit for their all-round play if they don’t score on the night, but it’s clear how much he appreciated Rashford’s performance yesterday.

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