Solskjaer Insists Manchester United Have Enough Quality Centre-Backs

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has dismissed suggestions that the club need to sign another centre-back, insisting he is satisfied with the defenders already at his disposal.

United secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over Brighton and Hove Albion after Bruno Fernandes converted a penalty deep into stoppage time.

However, concerns over United’s defence remained after they conceded twice and allowed Brighton to create several clear opportunities.

Neal Maupay and Solly March scored for the hosts, while Brighton also struck the woodwork five times during a match in which they registered 18 attempts at goal.

Leandro Trossard was particularly unfortunate, hitting the woodwork three times.

Despite the pressure on United’s defence, Solskjaer defended Victor Lindelof and said the team’s problems were more related to fitness and organisation than individual errors.

“We’ve got many defenders here,” Solskjaer said. “For me, we’ve got enough good centre-backs here at the moment.”

He added that defensive problems could come from either the team’s overall shape or mistakes made by individual players.

“We’re not in our best shape of form. Our shape isn’t there, we’re not sharp enough to stop crosses or follow the runs,” he said.

“We’re a little bit behind. That’s more structural mistakes than individual mistakes. I thought Victor did well today.”

Solskjaer admitted Brighton created too many chances and said United needed to improve significantly following their shortened pre-season.

“We’ve got to be honest enough to say they created the most chances,” he said.

The Norwegian, however, praised the character of his players and expressed confidence that their sharpness and fitness would improve as they played more matches.

“The spirit and character of the boys I don’t question at all,” Solskjaer said. “The sharpness and fitness might not be there, but it is going to come.”

United were due to face Brighton again in the EFL Cup as they continued their efforts to build fitness and improve their performances.