Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said the experience of Cristiano Ronaldo and Edinson Cavani was crucial to Manchester United’s 3-0 win at Tottenham on Saturday as they bounced back from an embarrassing 5-0 defeat by Liverpool six days ago. After a week of intense speculation about his future, Solskjaer seems to have got all his major calls right as Ronaldo and Cavani, at the combined age of 70, scored since the two first paired up together. The switch to back three due to Rafael Varane’s return from injury also helped Solskjaer’s men register just a second clean sheet in 22 games.
Solskjaer said, “We have built this performance on hard work, discipline and keeping the ball away from our target. We worked on it this week. The boys were fantastic, they took it on board. Rafael Verne is a top player. He reads the game well. He’s quick and so experienced. It’s a big deal for us to bring him back.”
The signing of Ronaldo, Varane and Jadon Sancho were expected to turn United into title challengers this season.
Instead, they are eight points behind Premier League leaders Chelsea after 10 matches, but have moved up to fifth due to their first league win in five games.
The impact of Ronaldo’s arrival on the team’s balance has been questioned.
But the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has no doubts in the final as he scored his seventh goal in 11 appearances to calm United’s nerves since returning to the club.
Ronaldo then became the provider for Cavani to double United’s lead with a clever chip on Hugo Lloris in the second period.
“Experience came through,” Solskjaer said. “I was told that I had picked the oldest team for Man Utd and it was time for it.
“I’ve been here for three years and Tuesday’s training performance by Edinson Cavani was the best training performance by anyone here.
“They played well together, they have a lot of respect for each other. We have a lot of talented players but they have to learn from both of them. The rate at which they work, the quality they put in is second to none.”
Solskjaer, however, was keen to emphasize that a good performance will not erase last weekend’s record home defeats to his bitter rivals.
“It’s always going to be in the history books – one of the darkest days. A black spot on our CVs,” Solskjaer said.
“We’ve got a tough week again. Champions League game then (Manchester) City. We have to digest it and be ready for Tuesday (against Atlanta).”
read all breaking news, breaking news And coronavirus news Here. follow us on Facebook, Twitter And Wire.
.