Ole Gunnar Solskjaer isn’t about to get carried away after Manchester United’s season began with a 4-0 demolition of Chelsea at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils eventually mastered their visitors, with Marcus Rashford netting a brace alongside goals from Anthony Martial and Premier League debutant Daniel James. Chelsea had twice struck the woodwork before Rashford broke the deadlock from the penalty spot.
Solskjaer’s team finished sixth in the Premier League last season, 32 points adrift of champions Manchester City and five behind Tottenham in the race for Champions League qualification. “We know we’re not anywhere near the finished article,” Solskjaer said.
“We are working on improving as a team and finding a style that suits us a team. We still need time, but it is coming. “Winning is a habit. We are lucky to go in 1-0 up but in the second half our nerves settled, our confidence grew.”
A top-four finish is the likely aim for the Red Devils this season, with few predicting the Norwegian has a squad capable of challenging neighbours City and arch-rivals Liverpool for the title. Solskjaer was pleased with £80m signing Harry Maguire on his Old Trafford bow.
“Harry has done exactly what we’ve signed him for, his presence in both boxes, his calmness and composure on the ball,” added Solskjaer. “He’s a leader and with him, David de Gea and Victor Lindelof, they marshalled that backline really well. It is important to have strong personalities at the back.”
Manchester United are 1.95 to finish in the top four this season, with Chelsea 3.10 following their opening weekend setback.