Football

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer praises Nemanja Matic after Manchester United’s defeat to Arsenal


Ole Gunnar Solskjaer praised Nemanja Matic after Manchester United’s defeat to Arsenal (MUTV)

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has praised Nemanja Matic’s performance in Manchester United’s defeat to Arsenal on New Year’s Day.

First-half goals from Nicolas Pepe and Sokratis sealed a 2-0 win for Arsenal and a first victory for Mikel Arteta since he took charge of the Gunners.

United, meanwhile, struggled to create chances at the Emirates Stadium and Solskjaer’s midfield were criticised after the match for failing to provide service for Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial.

But Solskjaer claims he was pleased with Matic’s performance and suggests the 31-year-old can provide cover for Paul Pogba, who is now sidelined for a month and requires ankle surgery.

‘Nemanja and Fred, if they play like today I’m happy with them, because they played well the two of them,’ Solskjaer said after United’s loss to Arsenal.

Nemanja Matic has made just nine appearances for Manchester United this season (Getty Images)

‘We’ve been without him [Pogba] all season so the boys who have been playing have been fantastic.

‘It’s a big blow now that Paul is out when Scott is out because he will be out for a few months and that’s a big blow for us as well. Scotty has been magnificent.

‘We just hope Paul could come back, he can’t, he’ll be back within a month-ish.’

Asked if United could delay Pogba’s surgery, Solskjaer replied: ‘Well it’s been advised, he’ll do it as soon as.

‘We look after our players’ health. We’re not going to take any risk players who don’t feel able to play on.’





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