Pranav Nair
Manchester United News: Solskjaer praises miserliness at the back as a major factor in AC Milan triumph
There was plenty of good news to go around at the San Siro tonight if you are a Manchester United fan.
Not only did star midfielder Paul Pogba return with a bang, but the Red Devils overcame a tricky tie and are now onto the last eight of the Europa League.
Speaking after the game (h/t Man Utd), manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admitted that as long as the team is resolute at the back, there is always a chance that something could happen at the other end.
“You give yourself a chance to win games of football [with clean sheets].”
While Pogba grabbed the headlines with his winner, the rearguard of Dean Henderson & co. played a significant role on the night.
Anchored by the impressive duo of Fred and Scott McTominay, Harry Maguire & co. held on despite Milan throwing the kitchen sink at them. Even when they were beaten, a resolute Henderson was a rock at the back and did not let anything through.
Former United ace Zlatan Ibrahimovic came off the bench as the Italians sought an equalizer. He almost would have equalized too had it not been for Henderson.
“Dean had a fantastic save towards the end and I’m very pleased with everyone’s defending. The front four pressed like they do, Scott and Fred, they always give everything.”
A last hurrah?
Every player did their job defensively as United pressed from the front. There is an ironic beauty in the determination the side showed to get the job done.
It may not have been our best performance, but the team stepped up when needed and held their own against an organized and motivated opponent. Solskjaer also praised the returning Pogba and expects him to play a big role for us going forward.
“He’s going to give us a big boost for the rest of the season, and today he made a big difference for us.”
More Manchester United News
- Transfer News: Solskjaer admits Diogo Dalot will return to Manchester United in the summer
- Transfer News: Manchester United target Matthew Hoppe could leave Schalke in the summer
- Manchester United duo Jesse Lingard and Luke Shaw picked for England duty
The Red Devils have made it a habit of upsetting the applecart of expectations in recent times. Thankfully this time we landed on the right side.
