‘Magic’ Man United have got their ‘mojo, spark and X-factor’ back, beams Solskjaer after his side hit NINE past Southampton to move level on points with City at the top of the Premier League table
Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was understandably delighted with his side’s 9-0 thrashing of Southampton, insisting they have found their ‘mojo, spark and X-factor’ again after a ‘magic’ display.
Solskjaer saw his side emphatically recover from their shock defeat at home to bottom side Sheffield United last week as they took full advantage of Alexandre Jankewitz’s second-minute dismissal to thrash their visitors on Tuesday.
Relieved Solskjaer told BT Sport: ‘We have been waiting on them [players] to show the magic and tonight was a night that they could go and enjoy.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said Manchester United refound their spark in beating Southampton
The United boss said his coaching team had ‘been waiting’ for the players to hit top form again
‘Confidence is one think but it was about the mojo and spark, the X-factor. We haven’t had too many of them where we could sit down and enjoy the football.
‘You have to take your chances in tight or open games. You never know what might be the deciding factor.
‘We know – better than anyone – what goal difference can do to you because we have lost the league on goal difference.’
Solskjaer singled out striker Mason Greenwood for praise as United won by more than a goal for the first time in nine Premier League games.
Daniel James (right) was among the players on the scoresheet as United enjoyed a 9-0 victory
Solskjaer singled out Mason Greenwood (left) for praise despite him not scoring
He said: ‘Mason Greenwood was terrific and his performance was top for a player who did not score a goal.
‘When a game starts like [this one], it was always going to be about if you can get the first goal.
‘You’ve seen so many examples of 10 men, when they just close up shop and they get a draw.
‘It was about keeping the tempo high and getting the first goal and just getting there.’
The mauling equalled the club’s Premier League record win, which came over Ipswich in 1995
The United boss felt that Jan Bednarek should not have been sent off for a challenge four minutes from time, but was pleased with his players’ passing as they made the most of Jankewitz’s far less debatable departure.
He said: ‘We played the game properly, we switched it from side to side, threatening in behind, some good individual movement and crosses. We played it the way we had to.
‘It came from them. They drove it on, the players out there. Harry (Maguire), Victor (Lindelof), David (De Gea), the ones at the back played the ball quickly.
‘Scott (McTominay) played the ball quickly so we got into their half and last third and they wanted more and more.
‘When you play football you have to make the most of it. It might be the last game you play, you never know. So we played like it could’ve been the last game.’
United went level at the top of the table with Manchester City, who have two matches in hand
