Solskjaer: Why wins like this really please me
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is getting great pleasure from Manchester United’s late, late shows as the Reds ground out another victory with a 3-1 win at Old Trafford against Burnley.
Mason Greenwood had put United ahead just after half-time but the visitors hit back less than two minutes later.
The Reds, however, dug deep into the energy tank and Greenwood put his side ahead again in the 84th minute before half-time sub Edinson Cavani put a tough match to bed with a third goal in added-on time.
Read on to find out what the boss told us about the 3-1 win and to read his thoughts on how the Reds are gaining so many points late in matches this season, Greenwood's form and a rare midweek rest ahead of the visit to Elland Road to face Leeds next Sunday.
The Reds, however, dug deep into the energy tank and Greenwood put his side ahead again in the 84th minute before half-time sub Edinson Cavani put a tough match to bed with a third goal in added-on time.
Read on to find out what the boss told us about the 3-1 win and to read his thoughts on how the Reds are gaining so many points late in matches this season, Greenwood's form and a rare midweek rest ahead of the visit to Elland Road to face Leeds next Sunday.
Ole: That game shows our improvement Video
Ole: That game shows our improvement
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer felt superior fitness was a big reason behind our late surge against Burnley…
LATE, LATE SHOWS
“We have improved and we have been better at winning games towards the end of games. Our fitness now, with all the games we’ve had, the boys are capable of churning out 90 minutes and the fitter you are the more you can do. I have always said that. The harder you train and the harder you play, the more ready you are.
“That’s the pleasure I get from winning games like this because last season we didn’t have them, but this season we have done that loads and that is down to the training ground and the attitude of the players.”
PRE-SEASON BENCHMARK
“The match fitness is coming from all the games we have had this season, but I also think the pre-season we had in 2019, two years ago, that was the benchmark.
“That was the signal to the boys that this is how we are going to play, this is how we are going to build you up, the intensity has to improve, the fitness has to improve and if you look at the stats over the last two years, we have really improved on that.
“Of course confidence comes as well with results and the belief we can do this. We have done this so many times this season, coming good towards the end and winning games. Southampton, for example. That is the best example, when we were 2-0 down and scoring at the end.”
“We have improved and we have been better at winning games towards the end of games. Our fitness now, with all the games we’ve had, the boys are capable of churning out 90 minutes and the fitter you are the more you can do. I have always said that. The harder you train and the harder you play, the more ready you are.
“That’s the pleasure I get from winning games like this because last season we didn’t have them, but this season we have done that loads and that is down to the training ground and the attitude of the players.”
PRE-SEASON BENCHMARK
“The match fitness is coming from all the games we have had this season, but I also think the pre-season we had in 2019, two years ago, that was the benchmark.
“That was the signal to the boys that this is how we are going to play, this is how we are going to build you up, the intensity has to improve, the fitness has to improve and if you look at the stats over the last two years, we have really improved on that.
“Of course confidence comes as well with results and the belief we can do this. We have done this so many times this season, coming good towards the end and winning games. Southampton, for example. That is the best example, when we were 2-0 down and scoring at the end.”
MARKSMAN MASON
“He’s a good goalscorer, we know that. I thought the goal he scored against Tottenham shows that he’s worked on his game because he can go inside or outside and score, so he went outside. Today he goes inside and scores. It must be a nightmare to defend against because he can go in or out, and go to his left or right. I'm so happy for him because he has put down a shift on the training ground.”
MIND THE GAP
“At least they (Man City) can’t lift the trophy already. We just have to keep on winning our games and see what they do.”
MIDWEEK BREAK
“It’s so strange. It’s the first time since before Project Restart. It’s a strange feeling. Of course, it’ll be a little bit of downtime and we’ll be ready to go. We’ll need it, because it’ll be Leeds and that’s a physical test as well.”
“He’s a good goalscorer, we know that. I thought the goal he scored against Tottenham shows that he’s worked on his game because he can go inside or outside and score, so he went outside. Today he goes inside and scores. It must be a nightmare to defend against because he can go in or out, and go to his left or right. I'm so happy for him because he has put down a shift on the training ground.”
MIND THE GAP
“At least they (Man City) can’t lift the trophy already. We just have to keep on winning our games and see what they do.”
MIDWEEK BREAK
“It’s so strange. It’s the first time since before Project Restart. It’s a strange feeling. Of course, it’ll be a little bit of downtime and we’ll be ready to go. We’ll need it, because it’ll be Leeds and that’s a physical test as well.”
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