Solskjaer says ’45 minute’ Newcastle game leaves Man Utd perfectly prepared for Burnley clash
OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER believes the ease of Manchester United’s victory over Newcastle has set them up perfectly for victory at Turf Moor.
While every manager moans about playing two games in three days Solskjaer finds the positives.
With his side 3-1 up by the break on Boxing Day they were able to take their foot off the pedal second half.
Meanwhile next opponents Burnley were fighting until the final whistle to get a result against Everton which they failed to do.
That, coupled with the youth in Solskjaer’s squad means the United manager is convinced his side can build on the Boxing Day victory with another to push towards a top-four spot.
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Solskjaer said: “I think we are in the best position to perform on Saturday.
“The game against Newcastle was over after 45 minutes.
“We are young. We have a great chance against Burnley to perform at the best level.
“When you are 23, which is the average age of the outfield starting players against Newcastle, that will make it easier for us to recover than Burnley I think.
“They played until the end against Everton. We were done after 45 minutes and used the second-half as recovery.”
The victory over Newcastle after Sunday’s defeat at Watford once again emphasised the topsy turvy nature of United’s season.
For Solskjaer this campaign remains a learning curve for his young team.
Solskjaer said: “I have said about next season that we might be challengers for a lot more, definitely, because we are young – but I still expect a lot from this team this year. I expect them to be ready for Burnley because they are next.”
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Solskjaer is happy with United’s direct style of play right now as they counter-attack teams with long balls to their front men.
He said: “We can’t play tippy-tappy football. We can’t, at this moment in time, play like City. It is only City that can do that.
“We have to show more energy, drive, urgency and selflessness in every single game. That is the way we have to play at the moment.”