Thursday Briefing: 'We're finding our rhythm'

Marcus Rashford’s whirlwind 16-minute hat-trick dominated the headlines, but Lindelof believes the whole team is now beginning to find its groove, despite a limited pre-season and some difficult matches during the campaign’s early weeks.

“We played against a really strong side, and to keep a clean sheet and to score five is obviously great for us,” said the central defender.

“We've played a lot of games so it's natural that you get into it more. I think when they had the ball, we managed to control it quite good. They didn't create a lot of chances and then at the end of the game we managed to kill it off. So we're very pleased with the win.”

While United’s second-half goal blitz thrilled supporters, another strong showing from the backline – to go with impressive displays against Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea – will have delighted Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

After such an excellent showing, Lindelof says the team are gaining confidence from their growing strength at both ends of the pitch.

“We know that as a team, but obviously as a defensive unit with David [De Gea] as well, we know that if we keep a clean sheet that the guys up front they will create chances,” he explained.

“Most of the time they will score goals as well. So our job is always to try and keep it locked down in the back because, like you say, we have a lot of good power and great guys up there.”

Lindelof is delighted with his own form, too, after being named Man of the Match in the goalless draw with Chelsea and delivering another flawless display against Bundesliga leaders Leipzig.

“I feel good," he said. "The body is feeling great, you know? I'm getting the rhythm of the games. I'm very pleased with the form that I have at the moment. Hopefully I can keep going and help the team to keep more clean sheets and to win some more games.”

We don’t meet the Germans again until matchday six of the Champions League group-stage campaign, and Lindelof hopes that – despite the huge scoreline at Old Trafford – our qualification to the knockout rounds will already have been confirmed before we take on Julian Nagelsmann’s side once more.

“You always have to be ready for anything [against Leipzig], because they are technically very good with the ball and they play a lot of one-twos," he admitted. "They are a very, very good team so you always have to be concentrated for anything. But we did it perfectly today, defensively and obviously offensively as well, because we scored five goals!

“It's a great start to the Champions League campaign. We had Paris away, a very difficult game, and managed to get a win there, then Leipzig at home, who are a very, very strong team as well. So we're very pleased with two wins out of two, and hopefully we can keep winning games.”

WHAT’S HAPPENING TODAY?

It's come around pretty quickly, but it's time to select our Player of the Month for October. Once we have the shortlist, you will have the opportunity to cast an all-important vote.

We'll also begin the build-up to the FA Youth Cup semi-final on Friday night, as Neil Ryan's Academy side take on Chelsea at St George's Park, which was postponed from 2019/20 due to the outbreak of COVID-19.

We've spoken to Neil and some of his players ahead of the conclusion to last season's tournament, which will be played over a long weekend at the neutral venue.

The tie is live on BT Sport but MUTV will also show the game in full in the UK, as the young Reds strive to set up a Monday date with either Manchester City or Blackburn Rovers. We have won the trophy 10 times, one ahead of Chelsea's nine.

WHAT HAPPENED YESTERDAY?

Did we mention we trounced RB Leipzig 5-0 and now top Champions League Group H by three points?

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer also confirmed that the reason Alex Telles has missed Wednesday's match was because the left-back has tested positive for COVID-19.

Marcus Rashford was named Man of the Match after the Leipzig win, and became only the second player in United history to net a hat-trick as a substitute. The first? Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who blasted four in 13 minutes after coming on against Nottingham Forest in February 1999.

Top Academy prospect Ethan Galbraith put pen to paper on a new contract. The Northern Irish midfielder converted the Under-23s' match-winning penalty in a 2-1 win over Everton last Friday.

The club also declared its readiness to welcome back fans to Old Trafford as soon as the UK government gives the green light for stadiums to reopen.

Our 2020/21 home, away and third kits are available to buy now from United Direct.