Solskjaer believes Man Utd are 'becoming more consistent'

FT: West Ham United 1-3 Manchester United

Solskjaer admitted that United had a 'poor first half' against West Ham but was delighted with how they responded. [Getty]

Manchester United's three goals against West Ham were exceptional says Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer recognised the 'up and down' display of his side in their 3-1 victory against West Ham United on Saturday.

The Red Devils came from a goal down to secure their fifth consecutive Premier League win on the road in the 2020-21 campaign.

Tomas Soucek broke the deadlock with a close-range tap in the 38th minute after the Hammers mounted enough pressure on the awayside.

But, in the second half, it was a different game as United responded after Solskjaer made half-time changes to his team, bringing on Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford [for Edinson Cavani and Donny van de Beek].

And moments later Juan Mata replaced Anthony Martial.

However, goals from Paul Pogba, Mason Greenwood, and Rashford turned Man United's woes around as the English giants registered a record-breaking nine successive away top-flight away win.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the match at the Olympic stadium, Solskjaer hailed the character his boys showed in the second part of the clash, adding that they are 'becoming a more consistent team'.

"Football is up and down," Solskjaer said. "First half we struggled to keep up with their counter attack and set plays. We gave the ball away too often. The poor first half, the second half of course the goal changes the mood, the first one. Great goal by Paul, Mason goal.

"We played against a team that had drawn with Manchester City and beaten Leicester and Wolves. They are a good team and make it difficult for you. I am very, very pleased with the performance. Last week we were 2-0 down at Southampton and this was a step forward, we were only one down."

When quizzed why he made the changes, the Norwegian said: "Injuries. It is unfortunate. You get muscle injuries sometimes. Bruno is part of this team and 45 minutes was enough.

"Of course you are very, very happy with the away form. I think the home form is decent, we are becoming more and more consistent and we are coping better with games like this. When you are 1-0, 2-0 down the boys still believe and that character is important.

"At the end of the season, you don't care about the performance. At the moment we know there are things we need to improve on, some simple passes in the first half but the second half that quality came back and all three goals were exceptional."

While speaking to BBC Sport, Solskjaer said of Pogba's equaliser: "The first goal as well was top quality from Paul Pogba. Concentration, head and knee over the ball. I am so happy for him."

On their away form, he asserted: "Away from home we have character and belief. Five times on the bounce to come from behind and win is exceptional."

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