Ole's verdict on the 5-1 triumph over Leeds
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was understandably delighted with Manchester United's 5-1 win over Leeds United in our opening Premier League fixture of 2021/22.
The manager celebrated the goals with gusto as the Theatre of Dreams erupted in response to a marvellous display by the Reds.
See what Ole had to say afterwards to MUTV, BT Sport and in his press conference...
Solskjaer's reaction to Leeds thrashing
The manager spoke about Pogba, James and Varane after a wonderful afternoon in Manchester...
A TEAM EFFORT
"You’ve got to say well done to everyone - from the crowd to the players to the staff this week, the coaches. Everything’s been spot on and to get this result and performance on the first day gives you a massive boost. It’s just the mood. But it’s one game and we should always pat ourselves on the back and taste that sweet victory. Tomorrow, we’re back on track for the next one."
PRESSURE, WHAT PRESSURE?
"Sir Alex always used to say enjoy it and express yourself. You have to enjoy the privilege and the pressure of playing in front of 75,000 and millions on TV. I knew we would work hard but it was the fitness levels I wasn't 100 per cent sure of. We could smile at the end!"
MASON'S A MAN NOW
"The way he burst away for that second goal. That's a man compared to a boy that was in the first team two years ago. I'm delighted with what he has done in pre-season to get his fitness up."
MESSAGE TO POGBA
"I've had a great relationship with Paul ever since he was a kid. Today was just about 'go out there and enjoy yourself' because he had 45 minutes against Everton, which wasn't his best. We gave him the freedom of roaming wherever you want to go and get on the ball. I can't remember the last time that happened [getting four assists in a single game] but Paul's got that quality and, when you've got runners willing to make runs and create space for others, it opens up."
SCOTT'S A BEAST
Scott running on, that was a big thing. He's not played more than 20 minutes this pre-season and that was at centre-back. It was one of those where we kept him under wraps because we knew this was a big game for him. Scott is a beast physically. He can run all day and now he's a proper man out there. I thought he was excellent."
Manchester United 5 Leeds 1
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FIT AND FIRING ALREADY
"For me, this is the way I want to see my team play. Not just because it's Leeds but I want to see them running, going forward, taking risks. We look fit to be fair and some of these players haven't played for more than 45 minutes."
SUPPORTERS PLAYED THEIR PART
"Magic, absolutely magic. It does mean a lot for the players. This atmosphere gives you the extra edge and energy. You can’t replicate that from a team-talk or the team spirit it gives you. When you run down that end and you score four goals like we did second half, it’s just the best feeling in the world. The last 18 months have been strange - the only interaction [for fans] has been through media and watching games on TV. You haven’t had that feeling of connection. To be re-united with the fans again is important. This is Man United. This is the real Man United. This is how I sold Man United to Edinson [Cavani] for example. You can’t leave after one season playing with no fans. Man United is fans and players and everyone together.”