MANCHESTER United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer expressed his admiration for Cherries’ bravery at Old Trafford – and wished Eddie Howe’s men “all the best” in their mission to beat the drop.

The Red Devils were given a scare by Cherries at the Theatre of Dreams on Saturday, when Junior Stanislas netted the opener with 15 minutes gone.

But the 20-time English champions roared back with a double from Mason Greenwood, as well as goals from Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Bruno Fernandes to secure a 5-2 victory.

Former Manchester United striker Joshua King, who previously worked with Solskjaer in the reserve setup at United, netted the visitors’ other goal on the afternoon.

Asked for his verdict on Cherries by the Daily Echo after the game, United manager Solskjaer said: “I don’t really like to talk about other teams but I have to say they were brave. They made it hard for us. They pressed us into making mistakes.

“And I think they have always got a threat.

“Josh (King) and (Dominic) Solanke, the two centre-forwards, the two wide men with skills – of course we hope they are going to take some points off rivals from us. So, all the best.”

Solskjaer knows first-hand just what it is like to fight a relegation battle.

The former Norway striker took over from Malky Mackay at Cardiff in January 2014, only to see them relegated five months later.

He departed the Bluebirds after less than nine months in charge.

“It’s not easy being at the bottom,” said Solskjaer.

“I’ve been there with Cardiff, it’s hard, mentally you take two touches instead of one, three instead of two. I just wish them (Cherries) all the best.”

Howe’s men take on Tottenham at Vitality Stadium on Thursday (6pm) before another home contest with Leicester on Sunday (7pm).