Man Utd boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer explains substituting Donny van de Beek in West Ham win

Man Utd: Solskjaer assesses van de Beek performance

When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters.Sometimes they’ll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer.Our Privacy Notice explains more about how we use your data, and your rights.You can unsubscribe at any time.

Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer decided to hook Donny van de Beek against West Ham. And the Norwegian has now elaborated on that decision, saying the team had ‘started to fall apart’ in the second half. The Red Devils booked their place in the next round of the competition via Scott McTominay’s goal in extra time.

United weren’t at their best against West Ham.

Having drawn 3-3 with Everton last time out, the Red Devils were far cagier as they picked up all three points.

McTominay eventually won the game for the home side, with the Scotland international blasting home from close range after good work from Marcus Rashford.

Prior to that, however, Solskjaer had opted to take Van de Beek off the pitch.

The Netherlands international has struggled to make an impact at Old Trafford following his summer arrival from Ajax and his number came up with 73 minutes on the clock.

And, speaking after the game, Solskjaer explained his decision to withdraw the 23-year-old by saying: “I thought, first half, we and Donny, we played really well.

THINK YOU KNOW SPORT? Test your sporting knowledge with our tricky quiz

“We created spaces for one or two and he played his part and did his job really well.

“He was neat and tidy and had half a chance when Alex [Telles] pulled the ball back to him.

“In the second half, the whole team fell off a little bit and we wanted to make a few changes.”

Solskjaer, who was ruthless during his playing days, also called on his United players to be more clinical in front of goal – rueing missed chances on the night.

DON’T MISS

Manchester United ‘buzzing’ about Pellistri and Diallo

Tottenham star Son Heung-min ‘would consider Real Madrid move’

Liverpool saw three deadline day deals fail before sealing Ozan Kabak transfer

“I think we got about 15 to 17 shots in the end but we need to be more clinical,” said the 47-year-old.

“We should’ve finished the game off earlier and finished in 90 minutes but sometimes it doesn’t happen.

“Especially in the second half, I thought we struggled. First half, we have two or three big moments.

“Mason [Greenwood] had one when Anthony [Martial] laid it off, Victor Lindelof’s header that deflected, good save by the keeper. Alex [Telles] put a ball in for Donny [van de Beek] who couldn’t get a clean strike.

“So, first half, I think we dominated and controlled.

“Second half, not so happy with that one. After we scored, we should have scored two or three more, we’re too wasteful and we should have controlled the game more.”

Dean Henderson kept a clean sheet after coming in for David De Gea, who endured a chastening night against Everton last time out.

Solskjaer had admitted before the game the shot-stopper ‘wasn’t the most patient’ when it comes to his lack of game time.

And the United boss praised his performance by saying: “I always hope our keeper has a quiet night when we play and, most of the time, it’s happened that way.

“Dean [Henderson] was good in everything he did, apart from a last header when maybe he took his eye off the ball a little bit.

“David [De Gea], as our keeper, has been used to this for years, to keep concentrating and keep your eye on the ball.

“Suddenly, one moment comes up and you have to make a save. I hope that’s the way it’s going to be for our keepers for many, many years.”

Solskjaer was asked if he wanted another home tie, too, but didn’t seem overly fussed.

“It doesn’t matter at the moment with the fans,” he said.

“With the travelling, of course, it’s easier to be here at Old Trafford so yes please.

“Of course you want to win every game. We want to challenge and we want to go to the final. That’s what we’re here at Manchester United for.

“Sometimes you’re lucky with draws in the cup – we haven’t been that lucky – but obviously we move another step closer to the final.

“We got a few days to prepare. We don’t play until Sunday. Those 120 minutes will stand us in good stead, ready for Sunday.“

Source: Read Full Article