Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer continued his fine record against the club’s top-six rivals last week, securing back-to-back wins against Tottenham and Manchester City to boost his sides fortunes following an indifferent start to the campaign.
Despite struggling against some of the division’s so-called lesser lights, Solskjaer has managed to accumulate an impressive sequence of results against the top-six, losing just twice in 15 fixtures against big opposition.
We’ve decided to look back at some of the most memorable, here are five of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s best wins over top-six rivals…
Tottenham 0-1 Manchester United, 13/1/2018, Premier League
Solskjaer would replace the sacked Jose Mourinho in December and four successive victories would restore the feel-good factor back to Old Trafford, though with respect the club would have expected maximum points from clashes with Cardiff, Huddersfield, Bournemouth and Newcastle.
The manager’s first real test would come with a trip to Wembley to face Tottenham, Mauricio Pochettino’s side having won six of their past seven league fixtures.
United’s new manager bounce would continue, however, albeit in smash-and-grab fashion as Marcus Rashford’s goal secured a vital three points.
David de Gea would prove the hero, the Spaniard putting on a goalkeeping masterclass to preserve his side’s clean sheet and a precious victory.
Arsenal 1-3 Manchester United, 2/12/2018, FA Cup fourth round
An away trip to old rivals Arsenal in the FA Cup in January would be the next true test of Solskjaer’s credentials, and the then interim manager would secure a memorable victory at the Emirates to advance to the next round.
Alexis Sanchez would return to haunt his former club, before Arsenal nemesis Jesse Lingard would fire a quick-fire second accompanied with some Michael Jackson-inspired choreography.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s strike would prove little consolation as Anthony Martial wrapped up the victory late on, United moving on to a fifth round meeting at Chelsea.
Chelsea 0-2 Manchester United, 16/4/2018, FA Cup
Solskjaer’s side would be delivered another difficult looking trip to London after their earlier success at Arsenal, though would once again make light work of a top-six rival in cup competition.
Ander Herrera converted Paul Pogba’s deep cross to give the visitors the lead at Stamford Bridge, before the Frenchman would turn goalscorer, driving forward to meet Marcus Rashford’s delivery to head past Kepa Arrizabalaga.
The Spanish goalkeeper perhaps should have done better to deny Pogba, though the midfielder’s goal was deserved on a fine performance from the club’s record signing.
United would hold firm, securing a last eight meeting with Wolves.
Manchester United 4-0 Chelsea, Premier League
The Premier League‘s fixture generator would produce a classic to begin the opening of the new season, with expected top-four rivals Manchester United and Chelsea meeting at Old Trafford in a huge clash.
It would be Solskjaer’s side who would prove triumphant, however, Marcus Rashford starring by scoring twice in a clinical display with Anthony Martial and debutant Daniel James also on the scoresheet in a comprehensive win.
Frank Lampard’s first game in charge of Chelsea would end in misery, United recording their biggest home victory over the Blues since 1965.
Manchester City 1-2 Manchester United, Premier League
The latest big-game result for Solskjaer and his side, United were rank outsiders with the bookmakers heading into last weekend’s Manchester derby at the Etihad.
They would prove more than capable of securing a result against the Premier League champions, however, producing a devastating first-half performance to blow away Pep Guardiola’s side.
Their attacking performance was described as ‘out of this world‘ by Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher, a Marcus Rashford penalty and Anthony Martial scoring two quick-fire goals to put United in control.
A strong defensive display would secure a memorable 2-1 derby day victory, Solskjaer continuing to prove himself as a man for the biggest occasions.
Read: Solskjaer reckons Manchester United are through ‘sticky patch’ and now calls for ‘consistency’
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