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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was delighted to see Romelu Lukaku make the most of his favorite central striker role with two goals in Manchester United's 3-1 win at Crystal Palace on Wednesday.
Lukaku has been asked to fill his gaps in recent weeks, with United's acting manager Solskjaer preferring to employ Marcus Rashford through the center.
But as Rashford was not in top form and ranked as a substitute for the Red Devils at Selhurst Park, Lukaku was restored to his favorite position and responded with a goal in each half to complete a win that allowed Solskjaer to win 11 games without defeat in the Premier League. took charge in mid-December.
And the manager, himself a former United striker, had probably the change of position that played a key role in the Belgian international Lukaku, scoring his first goals in 10 games.
"He crossed average today, we created opportunities for him and he put them in a good position," said Solskjaer.
"He did a lot of running on the right and left, he had a different role because of Rashford's form.
"Today, he had a chance at the front, two very good finishes and could have had another sooner, so I'm very happy for Rom, he is a quality finisher."
"Professional boy"
Solskjaer added that he had been impressed by the player's attitude during a period when he had escaped the rank order of the team – a situation to which he must face the coach on his own days at Old Trafford.
"It's a professional boy, a good boy, it's great to have him in and around the place, always happy, always working for his finish," Solskjaer said.
"I think he's played more than you think in reality, but he played on the right, on the left, so that's the form of Rash that moved him." , with Rash's injury, he seized the opportunity. "
The victory in South London allowed United to remain on the sidelines of the top four and Solskjaer said he was concerned about the possibility of facing Palace after a series of test matches, including the first leg of the Champions League against Paris Saint-Germain, FA Cup win against Chelsea and draw between Premier League and Liverpool
Asked to explain the secret of his team's eight wins, Solskjaer – who seems sure to succeed Jose Mourinho, sacked at Old Trafford – replied: "I explain it by having good players and preparing myself well for the game, tactically.
"The team was so focused today that there was no complacency." I said before today 's match, it' s all the same. was the one I knew to be difficult.
"After PSG, Chelsea, Liverpool, all the mental energy that goes into these games, we expected her to win and the goal was fantastic." excellent results from Rom. "
& # 39; Cold shower & # 39;
Lukaku opened the scoring in the 33rd minute before doubling the advantage at the 52nd. Joel Ward's head gave hope to the palace, but Ashley Young's late goal settled the result.
"The second goal was a real cold shower because we started the second half," said palace director Roy Hodgson.
"It's a great merit for the players to have come back in. The 2-1 goal was the result of the pressure we exerted."
The former boss of England added: "We made some changes to try to get something out of the game and, as often happens against teams of this quality, they find a way to choose you with a third goal. .
"We did our best.
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