United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was impressed with his team’s professionalism after they confirmed their place in the FA Cup quarter-finals. Luke Shaw’s opener and an Odion Ighalo helped the club get a 3-0 win at Derby to set up a last-eight clash at Norwich.
United’s ace player, Wayne Rooney was neglected twice by Sergio Romero on his reunion against his former club on Thursday night. The club maintained their winning streak in all competitions to nine games – ahead of Sunday’s derby visit of rivals Manchester City while remaining in the quest for the FA Cup, Europa League, and a top-four finish in the Premier League.
Solskjaer said: “I’m very pleased with the performance and to go through. You never know, away from home, being the favorites and having City on Sunday how it’ll affect their mindset – but it was professional.
“Thursday was the highest priority because we’re not going to pick and choose games or competitions. We have to go for everything, that’s what it is to be at Manchester United.
It’s another away draw, we’re used to that now. Is it a seventh in a row? We’ll have to do it the hard way if want to go all the way. We’ve got a chance now.
“We’ve found form and defended well, we’ve had seven clean sheets in those nine games.”
The Reds are currently chasing a record-equalling 13th FA Cup quest but somehow sustained two early scares when Louie Sibley shot wide and Romero saved Rooney’s free-kick.
But United took control after 33 minutes when Luke Shaw scored his second career goal, While his cannonade bouncing over Kelle Roos.
While on the other hand, Ighalo made it to 2-0 seven minutes later when he held off Craig Forsyth and spotted the corner, and Martyn Waghorn went close for Derby after the break but Ighalo ended the game when he fired home with 20 minutes left.
Solskjaer added: “He’s doing what he says on the tin and what we asked for when we signed him. I’m very happy with him. That type of striker is vital for a team. There’s more to come, he’ll improve and get sharper and more used to us. I’ve got no doubt he’ll only get better and better.”
Rooney almost had fetched solace but Romero generated an excellent stop to turn his late free-kick over.
Rams boss Phillip Cocu said: “If the first free-kick goes in, sometimes it defines a game. You have to be really effective and on that side, they were much better than we were. I’m quite satisfied with the performance.”
