Solskjaer convinced game “beyond tactics” is proof of Man Utd’s progress
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer believes Manchester United’s emphatic comeback against Sheffield United was a sign of character rather than a tactical masterstroke on his part.
The Red Devils fought back from two goals down at Bramall Lane to race into a 3-2 lead, only to see their smash and grab efforts halted by a late Oli McBurnie equaliser in a thrilling 3-3 encounter.
Why is Solskjaer looking “beyond tactics”? Five things to know…
- Man Utd played out a pulsating 3-3 draw with Sheffield Utd on Sunday.
- Solskjaer looked to match Sheffield Utd for tactics, deploying a three-man defence.
- Man Utd went 2-0 down and failed to register a single shot in the first half.
- However, a stunning turnaround after the restart ensured Man Utd earned a point.
- Solskjaer has now suggested the second-half revival was not because of any tactical inspiration on his part.
The result leaves Solskjaer’s men languishing in ninth- lace in the Premier League table, though goals from three academy graduates (Brandon Williams, Mason Greenwood and Marcus Rashford) in South Yorkshire will certainly g some way to appease frustrated Man Utd fans.
Chris Wilder’s men bossed proceedings for the majority of the match but came unstuck after an exhilarating seven minutes from Man Utd.
Speaking after the match Solskjaer has now pinned his side’s revival down to a positive shift in mentality rather than any tactical gambit he deployed in the second half.
He told reporters: “Sometimes football is beyond tactics. The energy compared to ours in the first half and then we get that goal and we start to belief.
“The difference in the team this year compared to last is huge. They never give in. Last year we would have gone four or five down instead of coming back. We would not have been able to come back.”
Solskjaer also took time to reflect on a dismal opening 45 minutes, saying: “Sheffield United looked like they wanted it more than us and believed in their game plan more than we did.
“We did not have a shot on target first half which is not acceptable.”
Solskjaer on Man Utd’s positive comeback against Sheffield Utd
Rashford: We are improving and learning
Solskjaer was not the only one who took time to laud Man Utd’s mental fortitude on Sunday, with in-form marksman Rashford also in awe of his teammate’s efforts.
The 22-year-old applied the finishing touches to Man Utd’s spirited turnaround, providing the assist for Greenwood’s tap-in, while getting the third goal himself.
It now means Rashford has netted in five consecutive games for club and country, and he believes the result was an indicator that things are certainly improving under Solskjaer in regards to team spirit at least.
Rashford told Sky Sports: “It happened at Everton – 2-0 down and we lost 4-0, but it shows we’re improving and learning.”
