Ole Gunnar Solskjaer declared the feelgood factor is back at Manchester United after their 4-0 opening day demolition of Chelsea .
Solskjaer said United had returned to their tradition of playing cavalier football after two goals from Marcus Rashford and further strikes from Anthony Martial and debutant Daniel James sealed the emphatic win.
Jubilant United boss Solskjaer said United, who overcame a testing early period where Chelsea dominated, were ultimately rewarded for taking risks that earned them three points at Old Trafford.
Solskjaer picked a young United side, with an average age of 24, and was vindicated for his bold team selection as the Reds ran amok and got their season off to a flying start.
(Image: John Peters)
“We’ve found the way we want to play and a way we believe in,” said Solskjaer. “You’ve just got to go out and do the same.
“We took risks but that’s the way here. You have got to go for it. It’s risk and reward and today we were rewarded.
“But it’s still work in progress. We still know we’re not anywhere near the finished article and we’ve got loads of improvement to be made.”
But former United and Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, at Old Trafford in his role as a pundit, suggested Manchester City’s second-team had a better shot at the title than the Reds.
When asked which teams he thought could win the title, Mourinho said “Four. Manchester City , Tottenham , Liverpool and the City B team. When I looked at the City bench, the players not involved, I think even the B team could fight for the title.”
Solskjaer reserved special praise for United’s £89million record signing Paul Pogba, who produced two assists after a summer in which he claimed he wanted a new challenge.
(Image: Tom Purslow)
United refused to entertain the prospect of selling Pogba this summer and Solskjaer praised the midfielder for his focus and commitment against Chelsea.
Paul can do many many many jobs,” said Solskjaer. “He can do everything a midfielder can. That pass was fantastic for the third goal and his run for the fourth, I just wanted him to go all the way.”
James, a £15m summer buy from Swansea, came off the bench to score United’s fourth and admitted it was a dream for him to get on the scoresheet on his debut.
“I don’t think you can sum up how it feels, to come on and score on your debut,” said James.
“I’ve dreamt of that. Ole said to be ready to come on. He said to go and enjoy yourself.
“Everything we have been doing in pre-season we have done today – high press and winning the ball back. We were keeping it well, even at 3-0 and 4-0. It sets us up well going in to next week.”
