The crew debate on whether Manchester United interim manger Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has done enough to win the job, or if Mauricio Pochettino will be next in command.
LONDON — Ole Gunnar Solskjaer came up with the perfect plan to knock Chelsea out of the FA Cup, according to Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata.
United’s 2-0 win in Monday’s fifth-round tie — thanks to goals from Ander Herrera and Paul Pogba — was their first victory at Stamford Bridge since 2012, and Mata was quick to credit Solskjaer and his coaching staff laying the groundwork.
“I think it was good preparation from the manager, from the staff,” Mata said. “We knew what we had to do, we knew how to press, with the ball we did some good things.
“I think we still can do better. Overall, we’re very happy with the preparation, with the formation and with the result.”
Solskjaer has led United to wins at Tottenham, Arsenal and Chelsea in just two months in charge as he continues to strengthen his case to get the job on a permanent basis.
The Norwegian, who is favourite with the bookmakers to land the job, will do his chances no harm if he can dent Liverpool’s title challenge at Old Trafford on Sunday.
“It’s one of those games we have in our calendar with a red spot waiting for it,” Mata said. “It’s one of the big ones and we want to win. We play at home and hopefully will be a very good day for us at Old Trafford.”
Jurgen Klopp’s side, who warm up with a Champions League clash with Bayern Munich on Tuesday, will come up against a midfielder in Pogba who is in the best form of his United career.
The France international created the first goal against Chelsea with a wonderful cross to the back post for Ander Herrera before scoring his 14th goal of the season with a diving header just before half-time.
“He’s very, very complete,” Mata said. “He’s got physique, he’s got quality, he’s got a pass, he can go box to box. He’s one of the best. Today he showed why.”
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