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Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said his 0-0 home derby draw against Manchester City on Saturday was the best performance against Pep Guardiola’s team during his time in office.
United won last season’s Premier League match 2-0, but the Norwegian felt it was a more complete display, despite the lack of incident and excitement at an empty Old Trafford.
“In my time against Manchester City, that is the best performance we have ever had. It is not the best result, but the best performance,” Solskjaer said.
“It was a close game. I know we beat them a couple of times last season, but they were different games,” he added, highlighting the contrast with his team’s counterattack approach in previous games.
“Tactically we knew they were going to give us some problems, but defensively we were excellent. I am delighted with the defensive form. With the ball we did not create as much as we wanted.
“They probably had the best moments in open play. Everyone should be happy with a draw,” he said.
United’s conservative approach came after their exit from the Champions League with a 3-2 loss to RB Leipzig in Germany on Tuesday and Solskjaer admitted it had been a difficult few days.
“It’s a mental challenge when that happens to you (getting out of the Champions League). The mental energy you expend trying to recover from Tuesday is enormous,” he said.
Guardiola thought it was necessary to put the game in perspective. “It’s a good point. We can’t forget about Old Trafford.
“They’re so fast up front. It’s Man United. Most of the game we were good,” he said.
“It was a close match but sometimes the opponent’s defense is strong. And if you make a mistake they punish you in the counterattack.
“We know we can show more intensity but when you attack you can be punished on the counter. We would love to have more chances,” added the Spaniard.
“We have to build from here. Without spectators it seems that it lacks intensity but from the touchline I see the players fight.”
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