Solskjaer: How we can beat Newcastle

The boss was delighted with his team’s attacking performance in Turin, but knows a return to the bread and butter of the Premier League, and a contest with the relegation-threatened Magpies, will require renewed focus - especially given the recent blips against fellow strugglers West Bromwich Albion and Sheffield United.

Ole also commented on a return for former Red Steve Bruce and was asked about the likelihood of Edinson Cavani and Donny van de Beek featuring at Old Trafford, after missing the European win…

First of all Ole, I suppose you’ve got a very pleasant selection dilemma after that win in midweek?
“Yeah, Thursday night was perfect for us. We gave minutes to the ones that needed minutes, we got good confidence from the performance. The forwards scored goals – Dan [James], Marcus [Rashford], Bruno [Fernandes] scored two goals. I think we’ve found a way of playing when the spaces are there for us. I think we were good at finding the spaces. When they give you the space in behind, why not take it?”

It always feels like a tight turnaround, Thursday to Sunday, but after such a morale-boosting victory, I suppose the lads are quite happy to play again?
“Of course they are. It helped us. The confidence is high, it’s a big boost for the morale. Of course it’s Sunday night so we’ve got three full days to recover.”

Newcastle are obviously not having a great campaign, but they desperately need points….
“Every game in the Premier League is difficult. You’ve got to earn the right. You’ve got to do it by your quality but first of all the attitude. Run more than them, want it more than them and we’ve got players who have got the quality, so hopefully we can take the chances.”

And Brucie’s always welcome back to Old Trafford…
“He is, yeah. He’s done a very good job, of course. It’s tight down there but I think the last few weeks they’ve found a different way of playing as well. Bringing Graham [Jones] in, they’ve tried a diamond, they’ve been more adventurous so I’m not sure what type of game he’ll set up but I know Brucie will go all out for three points.”

The two lads who didn’t come here because of injury, Edinson and Donny, have you got any idea about whether they could be available for the game on Sunday?
“We think, or hope, both of them but we’re not sure. Maybe one, maybe two, maybe none. It’s one of those tight ones where you’ve got to make a call, probably after training on Saturday.”