Ole Gunnar Solskjaer backs Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial to earn Manchester United top-four spot

United are outside the top four only on goal difference with a game against Leicester on the final day

Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was full of praise for his attack once they got going, but warned they cannot afford more slow starts to games.

The Red Devils were second best for much of the first half at Crystal Palace, who were unfortunate not to be ahead before Marcus Rashford scored the opener.

Rashford then turned provider for Anthony Martial to wrap up the win with 10 minutes left, with the 2-0 victory keeping United fifth in the Premier League, level on points with fourth-placed Leicester.

Solskjaer said after the game that the team took a while to get started, but that the forwards should back themselves to instigate faster periods of play more often.

“[It was a] tight game, [we] didn’t get the rhythm in our passing but two fantastic goals won it for us,” he told BT Sport.

“The finish [from Rashford] was great, the buildup [too] with a quick interchange of passing. We didn’t do it enough, because they’re a handful to play against [when they do it].

They need to trust themselves to do it more. The second goal is when we started strutting about, but we can’t start games like that.”

Crystal Palace were incensed at having a penalty shout turned down when the scores were still level, with Victor Lindelof appearing to kick through Wilf Zaha in the box.

Solskjaer took the opposite view though, dismissing the replays to suggest his defender won the ball cleanly.

“I’ve just seen it and it looks like Victor kicks the ball. No, ball first. [They are] tight decisions, probably the same with Anthony at the other end. But it’s not a penalty.”