OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER saw Manchester United hit Leeds for six to get right in the title mix — then told his wasteful strikers it should have been more.
Despite tearing Marcelo Bielsa’s side apart, several chances went begging as Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial both drew blanks.
Midfielder Scott McTominay — described by Solskjaer as a “physical monster” — hit two in the first three minutes as United moved five points behind leaders Liverpool with a game in hand.
But frustrated boss Solskjaer said: “It could have been 12-4, it’s that kind of game.
“I’m very happy with the way we created chances, the amount we had, and we had some fantastic moves.
“But, yes, sometimes you look and think, ‘Put the ball in the goal’.
“You can’t be greedy but Marcus, Anthony and Mason Greenwood didn’t get on the scoresheet and we still scored six.”
Bruno Fernandes also grabbed a brace, while Victor Lindelof and Dan James added the others.
United had won only one of their six Premier League home matches before this and had mustered just three goals.
Yet they were 3-0 ahead inside 20 minutes, with McTominay becoming the first player in Premier League history to score twice in the opening three minutes of a match.
The Scot was forced off late on with a groin injury — but Solskjaer insisted: “He’s a physical monster.
“He does all his work every day, never shirks and gets his rewards with his fitness and his technical work.
“He can do everything. He used to be a striker and he showed he can be a handful in and around the box.
“That energy and drive in a derby was crucial.”
Solskjaer, celebrating his second anniversary in charge at Old Trafford, believes his team are starting to feel like United again.
He added: “I’ve really enjoyed the two years and I enjoyed today.
“It’s easy to sit here now and say it but I’m seeing more and more of a United team that I like.”
Leeds forward Patrick Bamford admitted they let themselves down in the first league meeting of these arch-enemies in almost 17 years.
He said: “I’m almost glad the fans weren’t allowed in to watch that.
“It was tough. If you’re an optimistic Leeds fan, you say it could’ve been 6-6 — but it could’ve been 10-2.”
Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford
