Ole Gunnar Solskjaer hails ‘terrific’ Man Utd star for ‘top’ display in Southampton win

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Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer hailed Mason Greenwood’s ‘terrific performance’ in his side’s 9-0 drubbing of Southampton. Greenwood didn’t get on the scoresheet but was praised by his manager following Tuesday’s record-equalling Premier League win.

The 19-year-old started on the right of the Red Devils’ attack, and set up Marcus Rashford for the second goal as Solskjaer’s side took control of the game.

Greenwood completed the full 90 minutes for only the second time in the Premier League this season, having been in and out of United’s starting line-up.

He enjoyed a breakthrough campaign last term, but has faced increased competition since Edinson Cavani arrived at the club back in October.

Cavani was one of the scorers against Saints – who had two players sent off – with Anthony Martial netting twice, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Scott McTominay, Bruno Fernandes and Dan James all on target.

And while Greenwood didn’t get among the goals, Solskjaer was quick to praise the striker after the win – which was the joint-biggest in Premier League history.

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The manager claimed United had their spark back after a draw at Arsenal and last week’s shock defeat to Sheffield United – and said Greenwood was a big part of that.

“Confidence is one thing but it was about the mojo and spark, the X-Factor,” Solskjaer told BBC Sport after the game.

“Mason Greenwood was terrific and his performance was top for a player who did not score a goal.”

Martial’s double ended a run of eight games without a goal in all competitions for the French forward, who almost completed a hat-trick.

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And Solskjaer said: “It is good to get him going.

“He could have had another one with the chip. Unfortunately it did not go in but good performance from everyone.”

The win moved United level on points with Premier League leaders Manchester City.

It also matched the scoreline from the Red Devils’ thumoing of Ipswich Town back in 1995.

But Solskjaer insisted he was not thinking about records during the game, saying: “I did not think about that at all.

“We just focus on improving and getting better and learning experience to finds different areas and spaces.

But he acknowledged that his side’s record scoreline could make a crucial difference in the final reckoning – making reference to United losing the title to City on goal difference on the final day of the 2011/12 season.

“You have to take your chances in tight or open games,” he added.

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“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.”

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