‘Delighted’ Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says Manchester United are ready for Liverpool test
Victory over Burnley sent United three points clear at the top
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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was “delighted” with his side’s performance and victory at Burnley, as Manchester United went top of the Premier League ahead of their trip to champions Liverpool.
The Red Devils dominated much of the game against the Clarets, but had to wait until the 70th minute for Paul Pogba’s deflected volley from the edge of the box to earn them all three points.
Solskjaer, who went along with his goalscorer’s assessment that Harry Maguire’s earlier header should also have stood, said his big job at half-time was to refocus minds on their own game after a series of interventions by the VAR and on-pitch official seemed to rattle a few members of the United team.
READ MORE: Premier League fixtures and table - all matches by date and kick-off time
“When you get three points in the Premier League it makes you smile. It was a hard-fought three points, it always is up here,” he told Sky Sports after the match.
"You’ve got to calm them down. I know the emotions are running high so it’s our job to focus on the things we can control. Second half we played really well; you expect the [late] onslaught but we held out.
Solskjaer paid tribute to his match-winner Pogba, saying he remains a key part of the side who is producing his best football now after overcoming a series of absences earlier in the campaign.
"I’ve always said Paul is a big player for us, a big character in the dressing room and one the lads look to.
“We’re seeing the best of him at the moment, getting better every game. He’s been injured and had Covid, it was always going to take time.”
The Red Devils now head to Anfield on Sunday, leading the champions by three points - and Solskjaer feels the timing of the fixture couldn’t be better given the contrasting league form for either team, with United having won three in a row and Liverpool winless in the same number.
“Brilliant position to be in! They’ve had an unbelievable three-and-a-half seasons, we know that’s going to be a difficult game but we’re ready for it. We couldn’t ask for a better time to play it because we’re in shape and good form. These boys are hungry and this is another test again of character and quality.”
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