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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer criticizes Manchester United defending against Aston Villa
Speaking in the post-match conference after the win against Aston Villa (h/t Daily Mail), Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was critical of his team’s defending in the last 10 minutes of the match.
Manchester United faced Aston Villa on Friday with the chance to go level on points with leaders Liverpool. The game saw its first goal just 5 minutes before half-time.
Anthony Martial headed home an inviting cross from Aaron Wan-Bissaka to make the scoreline 1-0. However, some questionable defending saw Bertrand Traore equalise in the 58th minute.
United were awarded a penalty just a couple of minutes later as Paul Pogba was brought down. Bruno Fernandes was on hand to dispatch the spot-kick, leaving Emiliano Martinez with no chance.
Speaking after the match, Solskjaer lauded Paul Pogba and says that he keeps getting “better and better“. He also had positive things to say about Martial.
“He’s (Pogba) getting better and better, fitter and fitter, and I think he played well tonight.
Improvement needed at the back
There was a crucial block by Eric Bailly right at the end to deny Villa an equaliser as United sat back and invited pressure. Solskjaer was less than happy with how his team defended in the last 10 minutes against Villa.
“I think we should have seen the game out in a better way. It was like it was a cup final or the last game of the season.”
He said that the win was, of course, important, but there are things that the team can improve upon. Solskjaer, however, says that the season will be a tight affair and United cannot afford to get carried away.
“It’s early on in the season. And we shouldn’t be too carried away with 3 points.”
More Manchester United News:
- Manchester United linked with Sevilla defender Jules Kounde
- Manchester United outcast Sergio Romero a target for Brighton
- Liverpool beat Manchester United to the signing of Stefan Bajcetic
Manchester United are now 2nd in the Premier League table, level on points with Liverpool.
