Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says Manchester United is ‘one step further’ to be in the title race

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says Manchester United are ‘one step further’ to be in the title shakeup after they were tied on points with Premier League leaders Liverpool.

Anthony Martial’s first goal and Bruno Fernandes’ penalty in the second half were enough for United to hold on and defeat Aston Villa, which they had previously equalized through Bertrand Traore.

And while Solskjaer refused to be swayed by his team’s position in the table, he believes their “immense” improvement over the past 12 months means they can be counted as contenders.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer claims his Manchester United team is now one step closer to the title race

Bruno Fernandes’ penalty in the second half resolved Solskjaer’s team’s 2-1 victory over Aston Villa

“I am very happy with the position we are in,” admitted the United manager. ‘I think the league is going to be very close. Every time you win a game, you take one more step.

‘You can lose the opportunity to be in the race for the title in the first 10 games. So this is a good position to be in. If you can win games like tonight, it will make a big difference.

“Of course we are happy with what we are doing. It’s a big difference from 12 months ago. We have improved immensely. We are getting fitter and stronger and stronger.

‘We must not get too carried away. It is not yet a cup final. But these points are important. ‘

Solskjaer says his team shouldn’t get carried away by talking about being in the title picture

United are now 10 games unbeaten in the league, but Solskjaer believes they can still improve, especially to watch games more comfortably.

“We need to improve,” added Solskjaer. ‘I didn’t enjoy the last 10 minutes. It seemed like it was a cup final or a last game of the season. We need to learn to see the game better.

“There is a reason for my hair color (gray), and it’s because we like to do it the hard way.”

Aston Villa boss Dean Smith, who said his team played like a ‘testimony’ in the first 10 minutes, was left to lament the awarding of Fernandes’ match-winning penalty.

Dean Smith regretted the decision to award United a penalty for Douglas Luiz’s foul on Paul Pogba

Referee Michael Oliver did not consult his screen next to the field after Paul Pogba fell into the area under a challenge from Douglas Luiz, despite the Frenchman appearing to stumble.

Smith said: ‘We lost on a questionable penalty. It seems that he has stumbled. There is very, very minimal contact.

For me, Michael should have been sent to the camera. That’s what the VAR is for. If there is so much doubt, come closer. I’m a little stumped why they didn’t send it to check it out.