Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer expressed relief after Harry Maguire netted his first Premier League goal for the club – and insisted that the star didn’t deserve to be dismissed against Chelsea.
The club captain guided home Bruno Fernandes’ corner to seal a crucial victory at Stamford Bridge, but was fortunate to escape a red card after appearing to kick out at Michy Batshuayi.
After his side moved within three points of fourth spot, Solskjaer backed the England international and highlighted an ongoing joke between the pair.
Speaking after yet another shutout for United, Solskjaer told Sky Sports:
‘That’s four (clean sheets) on the bounce now, we’re getting better defensively.
‘Two very good goals. We were a bit leggy to be fair.
‘Some good individual performances. I thought first half we were too negative and made technical errors.
‘It gives us confidence. It gives us a chance, it’s going to be a tight race (for a top-four place).
‘Some good individual performances at times, first half we were too negative, technical errors, but the goals were fantastic. Aaron has been working on his crossing, Anthony has been told x amount of times to get in that box.
‘We’ve had an ongoing joke with Harry and his headers, about time.’
Solskjaer also believed that the controversial decisions that ensured Chelsea would toil without reward in front of goal were correct.
The Norwegian tactician appeared certain that Giroud stooped to convert from an offside position and Brandon Williams was fouled earlier in a penalty area scramble.
‘You just want the right decision to be made,’ Solskjaer added. ‘That’s offside. I just looked at the screen, I think it looks like a push in the back, for me that’s not a goal.’
