Ex-Manchester United star would take Dominic Solanke ‘all day’ after star showing at Old Trafford

Dominic Solanke left a lasting impression on Old Trafford, and particularly Owen Hargreaves who was watching on.

The English striker was the star of the show as Bournemouth recorded their first away win over Manchester United, scoring the opener in a 3-0 win.

1

Solanke shone at Old TraffordCredit: Getty

The 26-year-old was close to adding to his eight goals in 16 games on a number of occasions, but it was his all-round forward play that particularly impressed.

Formerly of both Chelsea and Liverpool, Solanke was one of England’s top youth prospects during his days for the Young Lions, playing from U16 to U21 level and winning multiple trophies along the way.

Now realising his potential at Bournemouth under new manager Andoni Iraola, Solanke has left some thinking he could easily outperform United’s strikers Anthony Martial and Rasmus Hojlund.

Hargreaves is one of them, and said: “I would take him at Manchester United, all day. At Chelsea, he was the prized academy player.

“He went to Liverpool with that brilliant front three. That generational front three. He was never going to break into that.

“But I think he would have learnt and been mentored from [Roberto] Firmino, [Sadio] Mane and [Mohamed] Salah. We saw it with Wilf (Zaha) when he went to Manchester United. He wasn’t ready. He was too young.

“I think now Solanke, he will get another big move. Whether it’s Man United or not. But to get a kid that big and technically that good, who is smart enough, can run the channels and press. He will get another chance at the top, I am certain.”

Iraola was similarly full of praise for his star man post-match.

“I think he’s really complete,” he said. “He helps us without the ball, on the ball he can go, he’s good technically too.

“He can play well with his feet, he uses his body well, and if they leave him space at the back he can also exploit it.

Rio Ferdinand says Erik ten Hag has until the end of the season to save his job at Manchester United

“He had his chances, he scored, he hit the post, I think he was really dangerous and he helped his teammates a lot, so I’m really happy for him.”