Ole Gunnar Solskjaer addresses Manchester United changes in Norwich win: 'It is great to have the option'

Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has admitted his side lacked spark in their last-gasp FA Cup quarter-final victory against 10-man Norwich City after so many changes to the first XI.

The Norwegian heavily rotated his side to the tune of eight changes following an impressive 3-0 Premier League victory over Sheffield United on Wednesday, with only Luke Shaw and Bruno Fernandes retaining their starting berths along with match-winner Harry Maguire.

The result of those sweeping alterations was a below-par and disjointed display that lacked all the fluency that was on show against the Blades at Old Trafford in midweek.

And while Solskjaer - who made six substitutions with a clear attacking focus in a bid to avoid the lottery of a penalty shootout - admits that the Carrow Road contest was not the "greatest spectacle", he was pleased to see the players that came in get key minutes under their belts.

He also has no concerns over the fitness of some of the group that lasted the full 120 minutes of the cup tie ahead of Tuesday's top-flight trip to Brighton.

"Many of these players did not play the last game and now have 90 or 120 minutes in their legs. We have been drawn away every round so have done well to get so far," Solskjaer told BBC Sport.

"We did make many changes, we still think that the players who play 120 minutes are fit enough for Brighton on Tuesday.

"I did not make it easy for the players, we had two days to prepare for this game. The rhythm and tempo was not there but we are happy to be through.

"It is great to have the option to rotate. Anthony Martial came on and did brilliant but Odion Ighalo gives me a chance to rotate and he is a proven goalscorer and played his part in both goals.

"He is a great person to have around the dressing room too."

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