Ole: Young Reds will have learned a lot on Sunday
Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer believes his squad will have taken plenty of lessons from Sunday’s Premier League game against Sheffield United.
The Reds left Bramall Lane with a point, after a pulsating 3-3 draw, in which we came back from 0-2 down to lead 3-2, before conceding Oliver McBurnie's 90th-minute equaliser.
On an early evening full of highs and lows in South Yorkshire, the boss opted to focus on the former after the game, and believes United’s youngsters in particular will have learned a great deal from the clash.
On an early evening full of highs and lows in South Yorkshire, the boss opted to focus on the former after the game, and believes United’s youngsters in particular will have learned a great deal from the clash.
Photos from the sharp end
GalleryCheck out these scenes from a full-blooded contest against the Blades...
Among them, Brandon Williams and Mason Greenwood had moments to remember against the Blades as they both bagged their first Premier League goals in an incredible seven-minute spell when the Reds scored three times to turn the game on its head.
When asked in his post-match press conference what lessons he hoped his players will have learned, Ole said: “To play like we did in the 10 minutes when we scored. Just release the fear, play with belief and confidence.
“They’ve come though the Academy, most of these boys. Mason came on and played with no fears, Brandon was great. It’s something you try to teach them but along the way, in the Academy, you don’t play in these games. They will have learned a lot from these 90 minutes and there will be some pluses as well.
When asked in his post-match press conference what lessons he hoped his players will have learned, Ole said: “To play like we did in the 10 minutes when we scored. Just release the fear, play with belief and confidence.
“They’ve come though the Academy, most of these boys. Mason came on and played with no fears, Brandon was great. It’s something you try to teach them but along the way, in the Academy, you don’t play in these games. They will have learned a lot from these 90 minutes and there will be some pluses as well.
“Our first goal came from probably the first time Dan James went past [Enda] Stevens and he put a great cross in and it was a fantastic finish by Brandon. Suddenly we’re on the front foot, we’re on the up and the boys were trying things. They’d let the fear go.”
While Ole was delighted with our fighting spirit in the second period, he was critical of the side’s performance in the opening 70 minutes, but rejected any suggestions that the players lacked drive in that period.
“It’s not a lack of desire, it’s maybe that confidence in themselves,” he said. “Andreas and Fred in midfield, they’ve never played together before. But the way we came out after they scored the second goal was excellent.
“I don’t doubt them wanting to win but sometimes young players don’t always know how to win challenges like this. We must have learned a lot today, I’m sure the players have.”
While Ole was delighted with our fighting spirit in the second period, he was critical of the side’s performance in the opening 70 minutes, but rejected any suggestions that the players lacked drive in that period.
“It’s not a lack of desire, it’s maybe that confidence in themselves,” he said. “Andreas and Fred in midfield, they’ve never played together before. But the way we came out after they scored the second goal was excellent.
“I don’t doubt them wanting to win but sometimes young players don’t always know how to win challenges like this. We must have learned a lot today, I’m sure the players have.”
In scoring against Sheffield United, Greenwood has now bagged four first-team goals this season and Ole has no doubt the teenager will continue to add to that tally.
“He’s a goalscorer,” said the boss. “I did an interview this week about the number of minutes you need to make an impact and he definitely made an impact today.”
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“He’s a goalscorer,” said the boss. “I did an interview this week about the number of minutes you need to make an impact and he definitely made an impact today.”
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