Ole Gunnar Solskjaer praises ‘special kid’ Mason Greenwood after influential Manchester United display

Goal and assist on the night for United’s 18-year-old

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was delighted with his team’s performance, but reserved special praise for Mason Greenwood after Manchester United beat Brighton 3-0 on Tuesday.

The teenager scored the opener and set up the best goal of the night, United’s third, as Solskjaer’s side went back up to fifth in the Premier League.

Speaking after full time, Solskjaer explained the big strengths of Greenwood’s game which make him capable of such an impact.

“The [players] are full of confidence and quality as well,” he told Sky Sports.

“Greenwood played fantastically, he’s a special kid. We know when he gets faced up and looking forward he’s dangerous, but his hold up and link-up play was great.

“He can go inside, outside, he’s just as good with his right foot as left and he’s developing into a fine player.”

Solskjaer was particularly pleased with the all-round impressive nature of his team’s third on the night, netted by Bruno Fernandes, as it displayed dominance in both halves of the pitch.

But the manager also said he wasn’t bothered about what other sides thought about United, insisting instead that they knew perfectly well what they were capable of themselves as they continue the hunt for a Champions League spot for next season.

“It was good defending on a set play, we know we want to counter quickly. [It was] a great pass by Nemanja [Matic], great cross by Mason and a great finish by Bruno.

“I’m very happy with all the goals to be fair. I don’t care about statements, I know we’re a good team. We focus on this game then look to the next.”