Solskjaer Criticizes Forwards Despite Goals From Martial, Rashford In Man Utd’s 2-0 Win Over Crystal Palace

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer criticized his forwards even after Manchester United defeated Crystal Palace 2-0 in the Premier League on Thursday, July 16.

After the match saw Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial score once again for the Red Devils, the Man Utd boss pointed out his forwards did not "trust themselves" when they had the ball possession for the majority of the time when they took on 14-placed Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

Leicester City’s 2-0 win over Sheffield United, earlier in the day, had increased the pressure on the Red Devils, but Solskjaer’s men responded well. However, their performance was not even close to being perfect. For a side, which was on an 18-match unbeaten streak, Solskjaer had expected more confidence and aggressiveness on the field.

"It was a tight game, we didn’t get the rhythm in our passing but two fantastic goals won it for us," Solskjaer said in a post-match interview.

Speaking about Rashford’s goal, Solskjaer said, "The finish was great but also the build-up with some quick interchanging passing. So, we didn’t do that enough and they don’t do it enough because they are a handful to play against. I’m glad I’m not a defender playing against them and they need to trust themselves to do that more."

Speaking further about his team’s play and Crystal Palace’s disallowed goal, Solskjaer asked his team to be more clinical in finding the type of play that they know is good to watch. "They are so good, strong and technical and put the defenders on the back foot," he added.

Man Utd continue to remain in fifth place in the Premier League table as they are fighting to secure a place in the Champions League for the next campaign. They are equal in points with fourth-placed Leicester City but the Foxes have a better goal difference. Man Utd’s final two games of the Premier League season are tricky since they are scheduled to take on West Ham before their fixture against Leicester.