Bring the city! Ole Gunnar Solskjaer believes Manchester United have a chance to make a statement by beating rivals and breaking jinx in the semi-finals after three defeats last year.
- Pep Guardiola’s team ousted Manchester United at the same stage last season
- United also lost in the FA Cup semi-finals and the European League
- Solskjaer challenged his team to prove they could bring success for the club
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants to clear the score after Manchester United entered the Carabao Cup semi-final and a date with Manchester City.
Pep Guardiola United’s side – who advanced thanks to a comfortable 2-0 win over Everton – pushed into the same stage last season and are seeking their fourth consecutive victory in the tournament, equivalent to the record Liverpool set between 1981 and 1984.
But Solskjaer’s team is in wealth and the Norwegian has challenged his team to prove he can succeed at Old Trafford.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer challenged his players to prove they could be successful
United lost three matches in the semi-finals last season and their coach thinks a one-off feud with City is the perfect opportunity to make a statement.
“We played three matches in the semi-finals last year of course, which is not enough,” Solskjaer said. “This year again, like last year, we play with them in the semi-finals, so let’s see how we act.”
United dominated from the start but didn’t get their bonus until the 87th minute when Edinson Cavani made the breakthrough. The Uruguayan scored his first goals in English football at Goodison Park in October, and Solskjaer is happy to lead.
“I don’t think Eddie had a slow start – anyone could be infected,” he said. I am really happy with the effect it has and the good habits it brings. You can see how much he takes care of himself and has scored some important goals. He will be here and he will get better better.
Edinson Cavani (left) made the breakthrough with a superb shot in the 87th minute
Cavani was involved in a flashpoint early in the second half when he appeared to be holding an Everton defender showing Mina by his throat.
Nevertheless, Everton had no complaints that Cavani had not been sent off and that coach Carlo Ancelotti had left regret for his players’ performances that simply did not threaten to annoy United, as they failed to hit the ball on target in the second half.
“The players didn’t talk about this (Cavani) after the match,” Ancelotti said. “If the referee decides that Cavani has done nothing wrong, we accept that.”
Ancelotti added of Richarlison, who suffered a concussion in a collision with Bruno Fernandez and Eric Bailey: “He has no problem now. Our doctor had complete control over the situation.”
He decided Richarlison should be paying off and we totally agree. The health and well-being of the player are the most important.
United Mob Cavani players after their team gave the lead at Goodison Park on Wednesday
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