Solskjaer’s magical tweaks pay off as United cruise

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer took Manchester United a tweak tactical approach to play Tottenham on Saturday with his job on the line but lives to fight another day after his decisions paid off handsomely in a 3-0 win.

The pressure on the Norwegian was intense after last week’s 5-0 horror show against Liverpool, in which Jurgen Klopp’s men embarrassed their historic rivals.

Solskjaer chose to pair Cristiano Ronaldo and Edinson Cavani upfront at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, selecting a strike force with a combined age of 70. It was the first time they had started together.

Young guns Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood were sacrificed to make way for the veteran double act, potentially depriving United of thrust down the flanks.

But Ronaldo and Cavani both got on the scoresheet and proved a constant headache for the Spurs defence.

Solskjaer said it was the oldest team he had picked for United, adding that he had decided it was time to bank on experience.

“The old men led from the front,” he told Sky Sports. “They play well together. They have loads of respect for each other. The work-rate and quality they put in is second to none.”

Meanwhile, Ronaldo was named man of the match after he scored one goal and created another for Cavani but Solskjaer said Scotland midfielder Scott McTominay was his pick as the standout player.

McTominay and Fred were bypassed by Liverpool’s quicksilver attackers last week but established control in London as part of a midfield four and provided a platform for the men up front.

“Man of the match for me, by a mile,” said the United boss.

“That’s the Scott we have seen a few times before. He’s had his injury, he’s had his operation (on a groin injury) this season but today I thought he was absolutely brilliant.

“He won his tackles, drove forward, kept the ball simple, switched play, headed away a few set-plays. So, absolutely top.”