Football
Rob Dawson, Correspondent 4y

Manchester United win over Partizan 'template' for future performances - Solskjaer

MANCHESTER -- Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said Manchester United fans saw the "template" for how he wants his team to play following the win over Partizan Belgrade.

United booked their place in the knockout rounds of the Europa League with a 3-0 win at Old Trafford thanks to goals from Mason Greenwood, Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford.

"This is a little bit of a template on how we want to play," Solskjaer told a news conference.

"Too many times we're 1-0 up and haven't got the second but these boys are learning and it will give them loads of pointers of how we play."

Early qualification from Group L means Solskjaer can afford to rest players for the 7,000-mile round trip to Kazakhstan to face Astana on Nov. 28 ahead of crucial Premier League games against Aston Villa, Tottenham and Manchester City.

"We wanted to get through as quickly as we could and that long trip is not one you want to travel to and have to win," said Solskjaer.

"It might be a possible to rest a few and be ready for a tough week after that game. We've got Villa, Spurs and City that week."

First, Solskjaer will turn his attention to Brighton's visit to Old Trafford on Sunday but he is already sweating on the fitness of midfielder Scott McTominay, who was forced off against Partizan because of an ankle injury.

"It didn't look too good," said Solskjaer.

"He said he would be be fine but he had to come off. I hope he'll recover by Sunday."

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