Cardiff City 1-5 Manchester United: Solskjaer Starts with a Bang
Cardiff City Stadium, December 22, 2018
Manchester United kicked off the Ole Gunnar Solskjaer era in emphatic style, securing a resounding 5-1 victory over Cardiff City in South Wales. The Reds put on an impressive attacking display, returning to winning ways in the Premier League with a dominant performance.
Marcus Rashford set the tone early with a brilliant free-kick before Ander Herrera doubled the lead with a deflected long-range effort. Despite Victor Camarasa pulling one back from the penalty spot, United responded in style with a sublime team goal finished off by Anthony Martial. Jesse Lingard then struck twice in the second half to complete the rout, handing Solskjaer the perfect start to his tenure.
First Half – Explosive Start
United wasted no time in showcasing their attacking intent, with Solskjaer’s side moving the ball around confidently. Just three minutes in, Paul Pogba was brought down 25 yards from goal, and Rashford stepped up to send a wicked free-kick past Neil Etheridge, giving United the perfect start.
The visitors continued to push forward, with Rashford and Martial linking up well. United’s second goal arrived on 29 minutes when Pogba picked out Herrera in acres of space, and the Spaniard unleashed a thunderous 30-yard effort that took a deflection off Greg Cunningham before flying into the top corner.
Cardiff were given a lifeline in the 37th minute when Rashford was controversially penalised for handball inside the box. Camarasa calmly converted the penalty, sending David De Gea the wrong way.
However, United responded in typical fashion, restoring their two-goal lead just three minutes later with a beautifully worked goal. Pogba fed Lingard, who combined with Martial in a slick one-two, before the Frenchman slotted the ball into the far corner with a composed finish.
Second Half – United in Total Control
The Reds resumed after the break with the same attacking intent. Rashford saw an effort saved before playing a one-two with Pogba, only for Etheridge to deny him once again. United didn’t have to wait long for their fourth, as Lingard weaved his way into the box and was tripped by Souleymane Bamba. The winger stepped up to confidently dispatch the penalty into the corner.
Rashford nearly added to his tally after being played through by Victor Lindelof, but Etheridge was equal to the task. Cardiff continued to push forward, forcing De Gea into a fine save from Josh Murphy before Callum Paterson headed over from a corner.
United continued to threaten, with Pogba’s long-range effort tipped over by Etheridge. Phil Jones also came close from a corner, and Bamba headed wide at the other end. Substitute Kenneth Zohore tested De Gea late on, but United were not done yet.
Lingard put the finishing touches on a commanding performance in the 90th minute, racing onto Pogba’s perfectly weighted through-ball, rounding the keeper, and slotting home to spark celebrations among the travelling United fans.
Match Details:
Cardiff City XI: Etheridge; Manga, Morrison, Bamba, Cunningham; Hoilett (Harris 73), Gunnarsson (Ralls 83), Camarasa, Arter (Zohore 61), Murphy; Paterson.
Unused substitutes: Smithies, Peltier, Mendez-Laing, Reid.
Goal: Camarasa 38 (pen).
Booked: Gunnarsson, Cunningham.
Manchester United XI: De Gea; Young, Jones, Lindelof; Shaw, Matic (Fellaini 87), Herrera, Pogba; Lingard, Rashford (Fred 79); Martial (A. Pereira 87).
Unused substitutes: Romero, Bailly, Dalot, Mata.
Goals: Rashford 3, Herrera 29, Martial 41, Lingard 57, 90.
Booked: Shaw.
Attendance: 33,028.
Post-Match Reactions
United’s caretaker manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer praised his team’s performance: “It was an incredible display. The players enjoyed themselves, and you could see their confidence growing. That’s exactly how we want to play.”
Jesse Lingard, who bagged a brace, added: “The team was fantastic today. We attacked with freedom, and the goals were flowing. It’s a great way to start this new chapter.”
With a dominant victory under their belts, United look ahead to building momentum as they continue their push up the Premier League table.
