Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admits West Brom performance ‘not a step forward’
Solskjaer admits to unconvincing performance but ‘delighted’ with first league home win
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admitted Manchester United’s performance against West Bromwich Albion was "not a step forward" and "way below-par", though welcomed their first home win of the Premier League season.
United required a retaken Bruno Fernanders penalty in order to beat winless West Bromwich, with the Portugal international scoring from the spot at the second attempt after goalkeeper Sam Johnstone had strayed off his goal-line.
Solskjaer's side laboured for long spells and failed to put away the few chances which fell their way, while Slaven Bilic's visitors were left ruing referee David Coote's decision to overturn a penalty award after an on-field VAR review.
After the final whistle, Solskjaer conceded that United had not convinced despite picking up all three points and moving into the top half of the table, and insisted that improvement was needed.
"It's definitely not a step forward performance-wise," he said. "We played really well against Everton last time. That's a performance I was really happy with.
"This one was way below par and sometimes three points are more important than performance, even though we know that to move up the table we have to play better.
"After the international break it isn't easy, there's not much time to prepare for the game."
Solskjaer was nevertheless "delighted" with the win, which was United's first at Old Trafford in the league at the fifth attempt this season.
"I think it's very important. Towards the end it meant a lot for us and maybe then we were too edgy. We haven't had a win at home in the league this season.
"A lot has been said and written and it probably affected players more than I'd have liked but it has. We got a win, clean sheet and a game here again in three days."
This weekend get a £10 free bet with Betfair, when you bet £10 on a Same Game Multi on the Premier League. Terms: Min £10 Same Game Multi bet on any EPL match this Fri - Sun. Free bet valid for 72 hours, awarded at bet settlement. Excludes cashed out bets. T&Cs apply.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments