‘Players worked their nuts off’ – Ole

OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER claimed his Manchester United side “worked their nuts off” as they secured a stunning derby victory over Manchester City.

Bruno Fernandes and Luke Shaw struck early in each half as United ended the Premier League leaders’ 21-match winning run in all competitions with a 2-0 success at the Etihad Stadium.

With City retaining an 11-point lead over United at the top of the table, the result may not change the outcome of the title race, but Solskjaer felt it underlined his side’s continuing improvement.

“We knew we had to suffer out there. We suffered a lot. They worked their nuts off,” he said.

“I thought we were excellent for the first 10-15 and we settled into our shape. The second goal was incredible.

“I feel we are a better team to 12, 16, 18 months ago. We are more robust, resilient and there is more personality in the team.”

Solskjaer hailed the performance of Shaw but admitted the leftback almost did not make the line-up.

The Norwegian said: “He was a massive doubt until after the warm-up. He needed to do the warm-up to be cleared to play.

“Luke’s performance was top. He is aggressive, he is hard to play against one-on-one. When he goes forward on those runs he is unstoppable.”

The only downside for United was the loss of Marcus Rashford in the second half with an ankle injury.

“We need to do a scan,” Solskajaer said. “I’ve not had time to speak to the doctor yet.”

City manager Pep Guardiola brushed off the setback and instead targeted the remaining victories his side need to claim their third title in four years.

He said: “What matters now is the next one in three days, Southampton.

“We are arriving in the important part of the season in the Premier League, 10 games left. Now is when everything is going to count.

“Congratulations to Man United for the victory. They are so strong.”