Ole lauds 'incredible' Cristiano

Tuesday 02 November 2021 22:47

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer described Cristiano Ronaldo as 'incredible', after our no.7's remarkable two-goal display against Atalanta in the Champions League.

The Portuguese superstar once again came up clutch in the competition for the Reds, in a game Solskjaer acknowledged was 'tight' against opponents who made things difficult from the off.

Raphael Varane went off injured in the first half, but Eric Bailly impressed in his first Champions League appearance since March 2019.

And Ole addressed both central defenders during his post-match interview with BT Sport, while he also spoke to MUTV about Ronaldo overtaking his United goal tally...

WHAT CAN YOU SAY ABOUT CRISTIANO?

“It’s a tight game, flows both ways. Their two goals [were] very tight. [I was] hoping for offside of course for the second and for the first as well, because I think he’s offside. I think he interferes with David’s view. The second is very close, good pass. But Cristiano’s is just incredible. That’s what he does. If there’s anyone you want the chance to fall to in the last minute… and it’s a difficult chance. He keeps his eye on the ball and his technique on that volley is incredible.”

WE SHOWED CHARACTER

“Yeah, that’s football you know. Definitely no-one can question the character of these players. They just don’t give up, they don’t give in and they keep going. We had to make a few changes and they worked.”

I LOVED OUR OPENER

“The goal was a proper team goal. Great quality on the passing. Four, five, six, seven passes before that last little exchange as well, so that was the first moment that we really played the football that we should do.”

THEY MADE IT TOUGH

“As you say, sometimes you don’t plan to concede a goal. I still think he’s offside [for Ilicic’s goal] and interferes with David’s view. Normally he’d save that one. You’re at a difficult place, the atmosphere was electric. They’re a very physical aggressive side who are hard to play against."

I'M NOT MAD AT RONALDO OVERTAKING ME!

“If there was one moment to do it, OK do it then in the last minute. We needed the goal and what an incredible man, player, professional and what a goal.”

Ole: It's a massive point for us Video

Ole: It's a massive point for us

The boss was proud of the attitude we showed in Italy, despite a difficult 90 minutes...

UPDATE ON VARANE

“He felt his hamstring. So of course you can’t take any risks unfortunately. Rafa has been such a calming influence when he’s on the pitch. We lost him but that’s football.”

CREDIT TO ERIC

“The quality wasn’t always there. Eric Bailly blocked a fantastic chance for them. If you make a mistake, make up for your team-mates’ mistakes. The character was spot on again. They kept going and never gave up.”

MASON DELIVERED

"I felt first half, we didn't get the openings. Our rhythm and the quality of passing wasn't good enough. We gave them too many turnovers. Apart from Ronaldo and David, Mason has had a very good season. If he gets man-marked he can get through. We needed a little bit more up front and he definitely provided that quality."

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