Lukaku's timely striking leaves Solskjaer smiling

Belgian bags brace as Rashford's deputy for Ole's rampaging Reds

LONDON - Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was glad to see Romelu Lukaku making the most of playing in his favored central striker role with two goals in Manchester United's 3-1 win at Crystal Palace on Wednesday.

Lukaku has been asked to fill in on the flanks in recent weeks, with caretaker United manager Solskjaer preferring to employ Marcus Rashford through the middle.

But with Rashford not fully fit and listed as a substitute for the Red Devils at Selhurst Park, Lukaku was restored to his preferred position and responded with a goal in each half to complete a win that extended Solskjaer's unbeaten Premier League run to 11 games since he took charge in mid-December.

And the manager, himself a former United striker, had no doubt the positional switch played a key role in Belgium international Lukaku scoring his first goals in 10 appearances.

"He was through the middle today; we created chances for him and he put them away well," said Solskjaer.

"He's done loads of running up and down the line, right wing, left wing, he's had a different role because of Rashford's form.

"Today he got a chance up front; two very good finishes and could have had another one as well earlier on, so I'm very pleased for Rom, he is a quality finisher."

'Professional boy'

Solskjaer added he had been impressed by the player's attitude during a period when he has slipped down the team's pecking order - a situation the coach had to contend with during his own playing days at Old Trafford.

"He's a professional boy, a good boy, it's great to have him in and around the place, always happy, always working on his finishing," said Solskjaer.

"I think he's played more than you think actually, but he's played wide right, wide left, so it's Rash's form that has moved him out there. now with Rash's injury, he grabbed the chance."

Victory in south London kept United on the fringes of the top four and Solskjaer said he had been concerned about the prospect of facing Palace after a testing run of matches, including the Champions League first-leg clash with Paris Saint-Germain, the FA Cup win against Chelsea and the drawn Premier League clash with leader Liverpool.

Asked to explain the secret behind his side's run of eight straight away wins, Solskjaer - who now looks certain to succeed the fired Jose Mourinho on a permanent basis at Old Trafford - replied: "I explain it by having good players and preparing well for the games, tactically.

"The team was so focused today, there was no complacency whatsoever. I said before the game today, this is the one I knew was going to be difficult.

"After PSG, Chelsea, Liverpool, all the mental energy that goes into those games, it was one that we were expected to win and the focus was fantastic. And there was some great finishing by Rom."

'Cold shower'

Lukaku broke the deadlock in the 33rd minute before doubling United's advantage in the 52nd. Joel Ward's header gave Palace hope, but Ashley Young's late goal settled the outcome.

"The second goal was a real cold shower because we started the second half well," said Palace manager Roy Hodgson.

"It's great credit to the players that they got back into the game. The 2-1 goal was a result of the pressure we exerted."

The former England boss added: "We made a few changes to try to get something from the game and, as so often happens against teams of this quality, they find a way of picking you off with a third goal.

"We gave it our best shot.

Agence France - Presse