Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admitted his derby match-winners Anthony Martial and Luke Shaw were almost unable to start the game.
The duo put in superb performances with the latter scoring in a 2-0 win over rivals Man City, ending their 21-game unbeaten run.
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Martial attacked City from the off, winning a penalty for United after just 35 seconds of the game, which Bruno Fernandes converted, while Shaw bagged in the 50th minute, converting after a fine surge from deep, and a combination with Marcus Rashford.
It was felt Martial was only in the side due to an injury suffered by Edinson Cavani, but Solskjaer revealed the duo were also close to not starting as well.
And the Norwegian was left thanking his lucky stars they were able to take to the field.
Asked the thinking behind their quick start, he replied: “It’s Anthony being positive, our attackers being positive. We were going forward, we don’t think about what we’re doing. We just do it naturally, by instinct and he’s so strong in those situations. I’m delighted for Anthony today, he was excellent.
AFP
“He was a doubt even until after the warm up with his knee and he pulled that performance out of the bag. I’m delighted for him.
Asked whether Martial was only starting due to an injury to Cavani, Solskjaer replied: “We didn’t know if Anthony was fit either. Both Edinson and Anthony and Luke, they all had to got through late fitness tests.
“Sometimes it works that way, you take your chance and certainly Anthony, for me, was Man of the Match.”
AFP
An when queried about Shaw’s sensational form and whether he was an under-rated part of their side, he added: “He’s not unsung for me.
“Ever since I came to the club he’s a delight to work with. He’s learning. He wants to be better. He wants to improve. He’s such a good boy.
“After he became a dad you can see a more mature Luke and this season he’s really got that attacking game going as well because I do tell him that he should be there more often to be honest.”
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