Manchester United defeated Aston Villa to go level on points with Liverpool at the top of the Premier League table, yet Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was not a fully satisfied manager.
Anthony Martial and Bruno Fernandes scored for Manchester United while Bernard Traore was on target for Villa as the Red Devils climbed up to second in the table with 33 points, below Liverpool only on goal difference.
Despite the win against a very competitive Villa side, Solskjaer picked out the flaws in his team which need to be cut out.
“We created chances. I think it is always going to be a physical game,” Solskjaer told Manchester United’s official website.
“We know that they have improved massively and they gave us some challenges. There was a few times in that box when you are a bit worried. We didn’t stop their crosses well enough. When they put crosses in the box they are always dangerous but we made some fantastic blocks and saves. I am delighted with three points obviously.
“Don’t get me wrong, I am delighted with the three points and very happy with the performance but there are always things we need to improve on. It is early in the season and we shouldn’t be too carried away yet. It isn’t a cup final yet, but those two extra points are important.
“Towards the end you see the celebrations; that win means a lot. We should have played out the game and managed the game better towards the end though. But, a defender’s job sometimes is to clear it from the line or block it. We did that”.
Solskjaer’s concerns were justified as United needed a last-ditch block by Eric Bailly to prevent Aston Villa from grabbing a last-minute equaliser in added time.
The Norwegian praised his Ivorian defender who has struggled with injuries in his time at the club.Solskjaer said: “Deservedly so [he was congratulated at the end] because he’s had such a difficult time with injuries. He’s such a likeable man. In that dressing room, everyone wants to see him succeed. We know how important he can be for us and tonight he was immense.”
The manager also hailed Aaron Wan-Bissaka who provided the assist for Martial, ane Paul Pogba who had one of his best games in recent times.
“He (Wan-Bissaka) is getting better and better. I think that he’s getting better at most things, because he’s had a season and a half now. He’s getting used to Man United. I’m delighted with his contribution tonight.
“Paul… well done for shielding it and he just clipped his foot [for the penalty]. I think he’s getting better and better. From midfield it’s a physical game; they’re a strong, physical side and Paul can match anyone in the league, physically, when he’s fit. At the moment he’s getting there.
“We are improving and getting closer to the top and we are gelling more and more as a team. The culture in the group is getting better. You listen to the subs tonight – I know we miss our fans – but they are our fans. They are supporting their team-mates.”
The win on New Year’s day was United’s eighth in 10 matches, an unbeaten run that has taken them from mid-table to second place.
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