Ole Gunnar Solskjaer lauded man-of-the-match Brandon Williams after the teenager helped Manchester United edge past Partizan Belgrade.
United tasted victory away from home for the first time since March’s remarkable Champions League triumph at Paris Saint-Germain by digging deep on a difficult night in Serbia.
Partizan pushed to the death, backed by a raucous home support, but Anthony Martial’s first-half spot-kick proved enough as United came through Thursday’s Europa League clash with a hard-fought 1-0 win.
Martial scored the match-winning goal but it was Williams who got the lion’s share of the praise, with the 19-year-old bursting into the box and drawing the game-defining penalty.
It was an impressive performance by the left-back, while full debutant James Garner, 18, came through his baptism of fire impressively, and Solskjaer was delighted with his young duo and the way they handled to atmosphere. “They did excellent,” Solskjaer said of the teenagers. “I thought Jimmy just grew and grew in the game, became better and better. “And, for me, Brandon was man of the match. He’s been fantastic the few games he’s played. The boy has no fear, he is as brave as a lion and he got us the win.”
It was a much-needed victory having gone 33 weeks without winning away from Old Trafford, with United holding tight in Belgrade as Partizan laid siege on their goal.
Solskjaer praised the character shown by his side as they held on for the win and is now hoping the Reds can take heart from the win and kick on to better things. “Of course, I’m happy now that we can just look forward to the next one,” Solskjaer added. “Try to build momentum. We need to win away from home in the league, but another clean sheet and that gives you a platform to win games from.”
COMMENTS