Solskjaer praises Romero, Matic & Mata for their experience helping young lads

  /  autty

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer lauded Manchester United's 30-somethings after they beat Wolves 1-0 in their FA Cup third round replay.

United beat Wolves at the sixth time of asking following their promotion back to the Premier League in 2018 through Juan Mata's elegant second-half dink to set up a fourth round tie at either Tranmere Rovers or Watford.

"Today, when you have players like Sergio [Romero] or David [De Gea], Nemanja [Matic], Juan [Mata] in this group of young players, they're important," Solskjaer said. 

"They are boys with perspective, they've been around the block, great experience, they've seen good times and bad times. And they're helping the young lads through this season, they've been absolutely top, all of them."

Mata's strike was his first from open play and just his second in a campaign where he has been restricted to six Premier League starts. Solskjaer understands Mata's frustration at a lack of playing time in the league but stressed the Spaniard's influence around the club is always positive.

"He (Mata)'s scoring goals, creating goals," Solskjaer added. "He gets us playing, gets the rhythm, finds pockets and gets on the ball. And he's an absolute fantastic human being to have in and around dressing room. He never complains.

"Of course, he's not happy that he's frustrated [at not playing as much] but he doesn't knock on my door and complain and sap energy of everyone.

"He makes me understand when I see him training, because he trains absolutely fantastic every single day."

Related: Manchester United Romero Mata Matic Solskjaer
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