Solskjaer reacts to five-goal victory

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has provided his reaction to Manchester United's 5-0 victory over Club Brugge in the Europa League round of 16.

The Reds clinched a 6-1 aggregate triumph to take our place in Friday's draw, with Bruno Fernandes, Odion Ighalo, Scott McTominay and a double by Fred doing the damage after Simon Deli was sent off for a blatant handball.

Ole spoke to MUTV, BT Sport and at his post-match press conference to discuss the key points after the home crowd enjoyed seeing five Reds goals for the first time since the victory over Midtjylland in the same competition, almost four years to the day.

MUCH TO ADMIRE

“Well, the football we played at times, in the first half especially, I thought how we started the game was with great intent and tempo in our game. Combination play, good rhythm in our play and some very nice goals.”

IN THE GROOVE

“We’re not conceding goals, that’s a good start. Today, I thought we looked like we wanted to play attacking football, have combination play. We had players with swagger, confidence, a smile on their faces and I think the new lads have brought that in as well.”

BEST FIRST HALF OF THE SEASON?

“Well, it’s difficult to say. I think we created a few chances against [Manchester] City away. We did play some exciting football: one and two-touch combinations and third-man runs. More movement and confidence in our play. When we are 1-0 up and they’ve got a man sent off, it helps. You still play against as many players in and around the box. I thought our imagination there was good.”

DELI'S RED CARD

“I don’t know why the boy did it. That is not a fair attempt to stop a goalscoring opportunity. We’re lucky that he makes that decision and he makes it an easier game for us.”

IGHALO A NATURAL STRIKER

“I think, as a fellow striker myself, I know important that first goal is and he’s been close a couple of times. You can see he sniffs goals, he wants to be there, where it sometimes hurts. That goal, he was sharp in his head and, as that ball is played over to Juan, he spins and was on the six-yard line when Juan puts it there. That’s a natural striker.”

HAPPY FOR EVERYONE

“I think there are loads of players out there who have improved. Scotty is back and I think he’s improved. Fred, I wasn’t sure if I was going to be alive for the next time he was going to score, he’s had so many attempts! One with his right and one with his left. It’s been an on-going joke between us, of course, but he got those goals and I’m very pleased for him.”