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As it happenedended

Manchester United see off Cardiff to start Ole Gunnar Solskjaer era with a win

Latest reaction from the Premier League fixture at the Cardiff City Stadium

Harry Latham-Coyle
Saturday 22 December 2018 15:03 EST
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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants permanent Manchester United job

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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's reign as Manchester United caretaker manager began with a convincing 5-1 win at former club Cardiff.

The 45-year-old took over earlier this week after Jose Mourinho was sacked on Tuesday following United's poor start to the Premier League season and saw his side stroll past the Bluebirds with plenty to spare.

The Cardiff City Stadium result is the first time United have scored five goals in the Premier League since Sir Alex Ferguson was in charge, and it keeps Solskjaer's side in sixth place.

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70 minutes

Paul Pogba strikes a 25-yarder beautifully and the curl on the ball almost catches out Neil Etheridge leaping high to his left, but the Cardiff goalkeeper does brilliantly to get his fingertips to the ball and tip over the bar.

Phil Jones half-volleys on the turn from the corner but that is far more simple for Etheridge, gobbling the shot up after flopping down to smother.

Harry Latham-Coyle22 December 2018 19:00

73 minutes

Neil Warnock makes his second alteration - Junior Hoilett hasn't had the best of nights and jogs off.

Kadeem Harris is his replacement.

Harry Latham-Coyle22 December 2018 19:02

74 minutes

And Cardiff so nearly score!

Victor Camarasa floats a curling cross to the far post where Sol Bamba is climbing all over Phil Jones, though not whistled for the free kick.

Thus he should do much better from close range, failing to find the target.

Harry Latham-Coyle22 December 2018 19:03

76 minutes

Neil Etheridge comes charging out of his box to about 30 yards out to beat Marcus Rashford to the bouncing ball.

That helps Cardiff launch a counter-attack and Kenneth Zohore forces David De Gea into a solid low stop at his near post.

Harry Latham-Coyle22 December 2018 19:06

79 minutes

Aron Gunnarsson sends in a succession of long throws, each finding only the head of Nemanja Matic.

The last leads to a long Manchester United clearance that nearly sets Marcus Rashford free, and Greg Cunningham is booked after dragging him back.

That is Rashford's final act of the evening - Fred replaces him.

Harry Latham-Coyle22 December 2018 19:08

82 minutes

Callum Paterson inadvertently heads away from, rather than towards, the Manchester United goal after misjudging a cross.

Final Cardiff change. Aron Gunnarsson looks tired as Joe Ralls takes his place.

Harry Latham-Coyle22 December 2018 19:12

85 minutes

Ander Herrera moves back swiftly to stop Kadeem Harris progressing any further down the left wing.

Harry Latham-Coyle22 December 2018 19:14

86 minutes

Manchester United will use up their last two changes.

Andreas Pereira and Marouane Fellaini will come on, with Nemanja Matic and Anthony Martial replaced.

Harry Latham-Coyle22 December 2018 19:16

GOAL! Cardiff 1-5 Manchester United (Jesse Lingard, 89 minutes)

An excellent run in behind from Jesse Lingard, a well-weighted pass from Paul Pogba enabling him to take the ball beyond Neil Etheridge and Lingard calmly puts it into the empty net.

The cherry on the top of a very complete and sweet-tasting cake for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Manchester United.

Harry Latham-Coyle22 December 2018 19:19

90 minutes

Three additional minutes left to play.

Harry Latham-Coyle22 December 2018 19:21

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