Ole Gunnar Solskjaer applauds the Stretford End after the game.

Solskjaer's verdict on draw with Villa

Sunday 01 December 2019 20:05

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was disappointed that his side failed to hold on to the lead, as the Reds were forced to settle for a point against Aston Villa at Old Trafford.

After conceding early to a Jack Grealish strike, United appeared to have turned the game on its head after a Tom Heaton own goal in the first half was followed by a Victor Lindelof header on 64 minutes. However, the Villans pegged us back when Tyrone Mings found the back of the net just two minutes later.

Speaking to MUTV and at his press conference after the game, the boss reflected on a poor first half and rued a handful of missed opportunities...

Marcus Rashford and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after the 2-2 draw with Villa.
Solskjaer frustrated to drop another lead Video

Solskjaer frustrated to drop another lead

In our interview, the manager delivers his verdict on the display and big talking points at Old Trafford...

A DISAPPOINTING FIRST HALF

“We’re disappointed with the first half especially, because I think after we conceded the goal we didn’t get to grips with the game and didn’t get our heads together as a team. It was a bit like “we have to do things” instead of knowing we still had loads of time to get that goal. Sometimes, when you concede at Old Trafford early, you get a kick up the back side but you’ve got plenty of time to get those goals. To be fair, we did get the two goals, we went 2-1 up, and we’re disappointed again to not hold on to the lead for longer than we did.”

MISSED OPPORTUNITIES

“We definitely came out better in the second half. I don’t think we deserved to be at 1-1 at half-time, I think they were unlucky not to have the lead because they played well. In the second half, I thought the boys did well again and it was more like it – put them under pressure, create chances, and we know we should’ve and could’ve scored a few more. Maybe Grealish could’ve had one at the back post as well, but I felt like we created more of the opportunities.”

GREALISH IMPRESSIVE

"I can’t talk too much about other team’s players, or if they’re Man United calibre or targets, but it was a fantastic goal. He hit one of those corners that I’ve hit a couple of times, so it was a great finish but, then again, we should’ve defended better and shown him down the left, but what a goal and he played a good game."

RASHFORD DIDN'T ADD TO HIS TALLY

"I’ve not seen it on the video. I’ll watch the video but I don’t understand why that’s not a Rashford goal, but what do I know about goals?"

FAILING TO SEE GAMES THROUGH

“It’s not just the second time, it’s been quite often this season that we’ve either turned a game around or had the lead and not been able to see it out. But we don’t just want to see it out, we want to go for 2-0, 3-0 or – like today – 3-1. Then again, they got a corner straight away and they are a big side, and worked a few different, clever ones. Today we just couldn’t get up and play them offside quick enough.”

Anthony Martial almost bundled in a late winner.

A POSSIBLE LATE WINNER

“You always do [think you’ll get a late winner] at Old Trafford, towards the Stretford End. For me, we created enough chances to win the game and were maybe unlucky not to get a penalty. It was a clear handball for me in the 54th minute, I’ve checked it again, and for me [the referee] has to see that.”

ANDREAS WORKING HARD

"Andreas is improving all the time, he’s a young boy who’s working hard every single day to improve his game and he’s played quite a few games this year and he found, more or less, his position earlier on in the season. He’s an attacking midfielder, and, when you lack your three more experienced [midfielders], Nemanja [Matic], Paul [Pogba] and Scott [McTominay], Andreas has to cover that role and he’s doing a job for the team."

LOOKING AHEAD TO SPURS AND CITY

“Of course, you want games coming thick and fast. The boys have had a week back home when the young ones went to Kazakhstan, so we should be ready for a game on Wednesday and Saturday.”

Reading this in our app? If not, you might miss some exclusive features not found on ManUtd.com. Download the Official App here.

Recommended: