Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was a relieved man when his Manchester United side somehow managed to come from behind to beat West Ham United at the weekend.
VAR-cical as pathetic Sky Sports and officials outdone by MOTD in West Ham robbery
West Ham should have been out of sight in a game they completely dominated in the first hour.
But there was more VAR controversy, this time working against the Hammers for Paul Pogba’s equaliser.
VAR and Red Devils duo turn West Ham match on its head
And the introduction of two top class players in Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes turned the game on its head as the Red Devils ran out comfortable 3-1 winners.
They say managers are always full of praise for the opposition after a victory.
Whether that was the case with Man United boss Solskjaer we don’t know.
But the Norwegian waxed lyrical about West Ham after the match.
Solskjaer warns not to underestimate X Factor West Ham
And he warned others it is a mistake to underestimate David Moyes’s side because they have an ‘X Factor’ (The Express).
“You know, we’re playing against a very good side,” Solskjaer told the press after the game (The Express).
“They’ve drawn to Tottenham, they’ve drawn to City, they should’ve got points against Liverpool, they beat Wolverhampton, they beat Leicester, they’re a very good team.
“They made it difficult for us because they’ve got X Factor and quality in the big moments of the game.
“Set plays, definitely. Counter-attacks. You know, we had the ball, I’m sure we had 60-65 per cent possession in the first half but, as I said, we couldn’t control their big moments.”
Comments prove Moyes is succeeding in ridding Hammers of ‘soft touch’ tag
It bodes well for West Ham and it is a small consolation for fans – and Moyes – that they are starting to get some credit for being a genuinely competitive Premier League outfit.
Moyes has been desperate to ensure West Ham are no longer seen as a soft touch (Claret & Hugh).
And Solskjaer’s comments prove the Scot is well on the way to achieving that aim.
Now the Hammers must pick themselves up and show they can respond.
Starting with a result at Leeds on Friday night.