Ole ‘happy’ as Man U go nap

OLE Gunnar Solskjaer pra ised Ja nua r y signings Bruno Fernandes and Odion Igha lo a fter Ma nchester Un ited eased th rough to t he last 16 of t he Europa League.

United dismissed Belgian opponents Club Brugge 5-0 at Old Trafford to win 6-1 on aggregate.

Fernandes pulled the strings i n the first half, scoring the opening goal from the penalty spot after a spectacular handball from defender Simon Deli, who was sent off.

The Portuguese then played a crucial role in the second for Ighalo before Scott McTominay, making a welcome return to the starting line-up after injury, grabbed a third before half-time.

Two late goals from Fred emphasised United’s superiority, and Solskjaer was understandably buoyant as he reflected on the performance.

The Norwegian said: “I’m very happy. We’re in a moment now where we rotate a bit, players are getting games, but, when you score goals and play like this, you’re going to get more confidence.

“It was brilliant to see the start of the game, I thought they had the right intent, created loads of chances, and, when they go down to 10 men, of course the game was more or less over.”

Fernandes has had a huge impact since his move from Sporting Lisbon, while Ighalo was given a first start since his surprise loan signing from Shanghai Shenhua and responded with a strong display.

“Bruno coming in obviously makes a big difference,” said Solskjaer. “You can see he’s got a hand in the three first goals. What a pass, what a goal Odion’s goal was.

“I’m very happy with the contribution of Odion as well up front, doing what he does. He’s a target man, we can play up to him, he’ll hold it, he’s got Juan Mata and Bruno next to him and you’ve got runners then.

“I think as a fellow striker, I know how important that first goal is. That goal, he’s sharp in his head. That’s a natural striker.”

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer