Ole has found a beast

MANCHESTER. — Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has found a “beast” whzo can help hold together his new-look Manchester United midfield. The Red Devils thrashed Leeds United 5-1 in their opening game of the new English Premiership on Saturday.

Bruno Fernandes hit a hat-trick and Paul Pogba bagged four assists, although Solskjaer had praise for another midfielder for their fine performance.

Scott McTominay impressed with a lung-busting, enforceful display as he once again put Leeds to the sword at Old Trafford after scoring twice in the corresponding fixture last term. His midfield partner, Fred, also netted along with Mason Greenwood to give the Red Devils a dream start to their new top-flight campaign.

Solskjaer noted McTominay’s qualities, starting post-match: “Scott running on, that was a big thing.

“He’s not played more than 20 minutes this pre-season and that was at centre-back. It was one of those where we kept him under wraps because we knew this was a big game for him.

“Scott is a beast physically,” said the Norwegian. “He can run all day and now he’s a proper man out there. I thought he was excellent.”

With Fernandes and Pogba flourishing in advanced roles, United’s midfield could look a lot more attacking in the coming weeks. The arrival of centre-back Raphael Varane should allow for the Red Devils to push higher, potentially meaning only one of Fred and McTominay are required and an extra forward can be in the mix.

Jadon Sancho made his debut late in the match and he could well replace Pogba on the left wing if Solskjaer can shuffle the Frenchman back into a more central role and drop the industrious Fred.

The tactical tweak has been mooted all summer and Solskjaer acknowledged Varane, who was unveiled on the pitch shortly before kick-off, will allow his side to play in a different style thanks to his pace.

The United manager also made sure to praise Pogba, saying: “I’ve had a great relationship with Paul ever since he was a kid. — The Mirror.