Ole reacts to United's win over Kristiansund

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer gave his verdict on the 1-0 victory over Kristiansund in Oslo when speaking to MUTV and at a press conference held at the Ullevaal Stadium.





The Norwegian enjoyed a winning return to his homeland, thanks to Juan Mata’s stoppage-time penalty. It was more useful preparation for the 2019/20 campaign with only one more pre-season assignment to come, against AC Milan in Cardiff on Saturday. The International Champions Cup game will, again, be shown live on MUTV.

Discover what he had to say below as he also revealed Eric Bailly is likely to be out until around Christmas after undergoing an operation...

GOOD TO BE BACK ON HOME SOIL

“Of course, I enjoyed it. There’s been a build-up to this game from the press and in my local home town, and loads of people from my home town. I felt they held their own and defended really well. We couldn’t really break them down. Their keepers, all three of them, did really well. It was one of these games we might get in the league sometimes and in the cups. They defend well and you have to break them down. Sometimes it’s in the 91st minute and sometimes in the first minute, and you get the early goal, and maybe the game opens up. They practised defending against a better team.”

A WORTHY WINNER

“The goal was very good. Of course, both teams made loads of changes so the structure of the game was gone. It was a quality pass [by Paul Pogba] and a great run [by Mata] and, of course, you’re happy winning the game but, then again, we’ve said it’s not about winning games. It’s about putting a stamp on the team and getting principles in play. We’re working towards match fitness and got 60 minutes of out of a few with another game on Saturday.”

A PROUD EVENING FOR THE SOLSKJAERS

“I think so. Noah makes his debut for them in front of 28,000. It’s not very often a Norwegian boy does that. Elijah was next to me and he enjoyed it. It’s what it’s about when you come back here. Their players have been in our dressing room and swapped shirts and took pictures. Our boys have been absolutely outstanding. They’re a joy to see, how the group camaraderie is and the good atmosphere, it’s really good and hopefully we’ll get that into the results when the Premier League starts.”

CLINICAL FINISHING LACKING

“I’ve said before in press conferences that we need to be more clinical. That’s where you win games. I think we’re looking solid at the back. They had a great chance early in the second half and we should have done better. We’re going to keep working, keep improving, keep making the relationships between the players and the patterns work even better. It’s not a concern but it’s something we’re going to have to improve on.”

THE SERIOUS BUSINESS IS ON THE HORIZON

“It’s gone very quickly but it’s what we’re waiting for though, the league games that matter. These games are important but, then again, a little edge was missing. When you’re playing for three points, the edge will come back.”

WHO WILL PLAY AGAINST CHELSEA?

“It’s not about one team for the first game and that’s the team for the rest of the season. We’ve got a strong squad and I feel there’s not too big a difference when we make the subs. We’re going to have to find the right balance. I’ve not really picked the first XI yet, but most of the relationships we’ve tried. Milan will be another last test and then let’s see how we decide. I think when Paul Pogba doesn’t start, I think you know it’s not the first XI.”

TRANSFER UPDATE

“I’m not here to talk about rumours about other team’s players. We’re working on one or two cases. It’s 10 days or so before we start the league and hopefully we can announce a fresh face or two.”