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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer explains note he passed Juan Mata during Manchester United’s win over Wolves


Ole Gunnar Solskjaer passed Juan Mata a note as Manchester United had lost their shape (Picture: BT Sport)

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has lifted the lid on the note he passed Juan Mata during the first half of Manchester United’s 1-0 victory over Wolves.

Mata scored the only goal of the game in the 67th minute at Old Trafford to book United’s place in the fourth round of the FA Cup where Solskjaer side’s will face either Watford or Tranmere.

The Red Devils dominated possession on Wednesday night and were left frustrated as Nuno Espirito Santo’s men held firm and looked relatively comfortable in the minutes leading up to the half-time.

Solskjaer recognised that United had lost their shape and structure and passed on a message to Mata as he felt his players ‘were playing more off the cuff than they should be’ in a crucial period before the break.

The Norwegian also instructed Daniel James to switch wings – just as Wolves had done with their danger man Adama Traore towards the end of the first half – and the tactical change had an immediate impact.

Mata scored United’s winner in the 67th minute (Picture: Getty)

Asked about the note he passed to Mata at his post-match press conference, Solskjaer explained: ‘It was just a spell there that we struggled a little bit and players were playing more off the cuff than they should be doing and when they swapped Traore over we swapped Dan over for a little while and it worked.

‘Dan was straight through on goal two seconds after and it’s not often you create that many clear opportunities that we did with Dan.

‘There were some great runs in behind from him and he needs to learn that composure from Juan. An absolute beauty of a goal. It was great timing on his run.

‘You’re a little bit scared that it’s offside but, no, sometimes the brain is quicker than the feet.’

Mata was less willing than his manager to reveal the contents of the note, telling BT Sport: ‘It was a list of grocery shopping.

‘Bread, milk and all these things!’

On his goal, Mata added: ‘It’s not good [to have too much time]. It’s better not to have time when you’re facing the goalkeeper but luckily I put the ball in the net.

‘It wasn’t offside. I was waiting for the VAR… you have to wait nowadays but I’m happy with the goal and the performance.

‘They are a difficult team and they play in a certain way and do it very well. They are very well organised and it’s difficult to break them down.

‘But definitely today is a good result for us and now we have a big one coming so hopefully we can keep it up.’

MORE: Marcus Rashford sends emotional message to Manchester United fans after injury against Wolves





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