Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has heaped praise on coaching duo Kieran McKenna and Michael Carrick for their “absolutely incredible” work with the Man Utd defence.
Both coaches are key members of Solskjaer’s backroom team, and have played a key role in helping United record five clean sheets in their last six outings.
United have also switched between a back four and a 3-5-2 system, which has seen them earn several big results, and the joint-second highest number of clean sheets in Europe.
“It’s the work we’ve been doing on the pitch and the quality of the players we’ve got,” Solskjaer said. “And perhaps, at times, a bit of luck, margins.
“And what we did in the transfer market, obviously. We did sign Aaron and Harry in the transfer market for big sums of money, but they were worth because we wanted a foundation to build from.
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“We’re still not happy winning games 1-0, obviously. We want to be an exciting, attacking team – we’ll get to that. But, defensively, the coaching – Kieran, Michael – absolutely incredible everyone knows what they’re doing defensively, the detail in what they’re doing, absolutely incredible.
“And the application of the boys, adapting between a back three and a back four, or five, so there are many, many factors. But it’s that work that’s been done.”
Only PSG have recorded more clean sheets (22) in all competitions this season than United, with the Red Devils just behind and level with Premier League leaders Liverpool on 17.
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One of the shining examples of United’s focus on defending is the improved form of Luke Shaw.
The 24-year-old has been deployed on the left of either a back three or four to good effect.
So much so Shaw is now being talked up for a potential recall to the England side, and he hailed the impact his boss had had on his performances.
“I think man-management-wise, he’s been unbelievable for the whole squad and he’s brought a smile to everyone’s faces. I think you see that every day,” Shaw told the club’s official website .
“He’s been brilliant and the lads are all really enjoying it and I think even more so now that we’re getting better results. The team are coming back and we’ve got a lot of players back.
“We’ve got an important second half of the season and Ole’s been great. We’re all really enjoying working under him and we need to keep giving him results.”
