Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Reuters
Reuters
Sport
Peter Hall

Soccer-Solskjaer hails United forward options after rampant win over Leeds

Soccer Football - Premier League - Manchester United v Leeds United - Old Trafford, Manchester, Britain - August 14, 2021 Manchester United's Jadon Sancho in action REUTERS/Phil Noble

Manchester United coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said his squad has plenty of goals in it and he does not expect the team to be over-reliant on Bruno Fernandes again, after the Portuguese's hat-trick led United to a 5-1 thrashing of Leeds United.

Fernandes was United's top scorer with 18 Premier League goals last season, seven more than the next-highest scorer, and was again crucial to his side as his first hat-trick for the club inspired United to a fine opening day victory.

Soccer Football - Premier League - Manchester United v Leeds United - Old Trafford, Manchester, Britain - August 14, 2021 Manchester United's Luke Shaw in action with Leeds United's Helder Costa REUTERS/Phil Noble

"It has been a very, very good day," Solskjaer said. "When Bruno gets goals like this, timing his runs, it does not really matter who scores. We definitely have loads of forwards who can chip in. He will not have that burden on himself.

"You can see the forwards we have in this team with Mason (Greenwood), Jadon (Sancho), Marcus (Rashford), Anthony (Martial), Dan (James) - they can play in different positions. Edinson Cavani is the only one who has a fixed position.

"We should leave them to enjoy and develop their careers. The goals will come."

Soccer Football - Premier League - Manchester United v Leeds United - Old Trafford, Manchester, Britain - August 14, 2021 Manchester United's Fred in action with Leeds United's Tyler Roberts REUTERS/Phil Noble

United have not mounted a sustained title challenge since Sir Alex Ferguson's final campaign as coach in 2012-13, with Solskjaer now in his fourth season in charge.

The Norwegian, however, was pleased to see his side lay down an early marker this time around.

"Sir Alex always used to say enjoy yourself, play with a smile on your face, you have to enjoy the privilege and responsibility of playing in front of 75,000 supporters, and millions behind TV," he said.

Soccer Football - Premier League - Manchester United v Leeds United - Old Trafford, Manchester, Britain - August 14, 2021 Manchester United's Fred celebrates scoring their fifth goal with teammates REUTERS/Phil Noble

"But to get there you have to do the hard work. I couldn’t have asked for more. You’re always a bit worried before the first game - fitness-wise have we done enough? Tactics-wise? The sessions have been geared just to this game. It’s been a fantastic day and a great start."

Leeds had levelled things up early in the second half through Luke Ayling, but Mason Greenwood soon got the home side back in front before Fernandes took centre stage to ensure Leeds followed last season's 6-2 defeat at Old Trafford with another thrashing.

"We were beaten by four (at Old Trafford) last year, so it’s nothing new to us," Ayling told BT Sport. "There are a few lads who have come back late from internationals this time. We’ll go again."

Soccer Football - Premier League - Manchester United v Leeds United - Old Trafford, Manchester, Britain - August 14, 2021 Manchester United's Jadon Sancho comes on as a substitute to replace Daniel James REUTERS/Phil Noble

(Reporting by Peter Hall; Editing by Hugh Lawson)

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.