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Solskjaer satisfied with ECL exit response

Simon Peach
Managers Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (l) and Pep Guardiola couldn't mastermind a Manchester derby win.
Managers Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (l) and Pep Guardiola couldn't mastermind a Manchester derby win. Credit: AP

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was pleased with Manchester United's response to crashing out of the Champions League as his players fought for a point against Manchester City in a forgettable derby draw.

After dreadful defending played a key role in a costly defeat at RB Leipzig that saw them slip into the Europa League, United's players showed the kind of focus and organisation that had been lacking in Germany.

They looked solid but lacked a prolonged attacking threat in a drab 0-0 draw against City at an empty Old Trafford, where the video assistant referee overturned a second-half penalty as Marcus Rashford had strayed offside before being fouled by Kyle Walker.

Riyad Mahrez and Kevin De Bruyne had chances for City but they too lacked a cutting edge in a match that Solskjaer took positives from.

"Well, of course it was a big blow during the week so the way they've recovered, the way they've worked ... I was very, very pleased with it," the United boss said.

"But we stuck at it, defended really well, so attitude-wise, mental recovery they've done brilliant.

United won three of their four meetings with City last season, but Solskjaer said this was "the best performance we have had" against Pep Guardiola's side during his time in charge.

"Of course I think last year at the Etihad we could have blown them away from the 10th to the 25th minute. We could have scored four goals," the Norwegian said comparing Saturday to previous meetings.

"Possession on the ball, control (was better).

"Maybe that's because they had more respect for us as well. I don't know, but I'd like to think we've developed that side of it."

Saturday marked City's sixth successive match in all competitions without conceding, but their lack of attacking impetus against United raised eyebrows in a derby that failed to catch light.

"It's a good point. It's a point and I would love to win but it's OK. It's Old Trafford," City manager Guardiola said.

"Yeah, I would have loved to have more chances, but we had chances with Gabriel (Jesus), Raheem (Sterling) and especially (Riyad) Mahrez in the first half."