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Man Utd news: Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial ‘plan’ hailed by Darren Fletcher
MANCHESTER UNITED boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been praised for his plan with Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial against Tottenham.
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The Red Devils beat Spurs at Wembley 1-0 yesterday to move level on points with Arsenal in the Premier League.
Rashford scored the winner after a raking Paul Pogba pass and former Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher was impressed with the tactics Solskjaer used.
He highlighted how the pacy forwards gave Tottenham defenders big problems in the first half.
On Match Of The Day 2, Fletcher explained: “The first half is a tactical masterclass. The plan early on in the game was to run into the channels and turn Spurs around.
“Every opportunity they got the ball they looked to exploit the space.
“They were taking the game to Spurs early in the first half.
“They did it because Spurs' full backs like to play high and wide.
“So their plan was for Martial and Rashford to stay wide and run in the channels either side of Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen. They did it all day.
“No defender wants to be left two v two against Martial, Rashford and Lingard because they have got pace, they have got ability and they are dangerous.”
Fletcher reserved special praise for Jesse Lingard and his role in United’s diamond formation.
He added: “A key part of being at the top of the diamond was Lingard.
“He was all around the central midfielders winning the ball back, putting them under pressure and reading the passes.
“That is what leads to the winning goal.
“You can see by the reaction of the staff to the goal, that is a gameplan coming together and working perfectly.”
United return to Premier League action on Saturday when they welcome Brighton to Old Trafford (3pm).