The Story Back Then- Goals from Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial were enough for the Red Devils to grab all three points at Selhurst Park back then. Solskjaer’s side faced Chelsea in two days in the much-awaited FA Cup semi-final at Wembley. The United boss, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had said that his players are eagerly waiting for the FA Cup challenge.
What Solskjaer Had Said To BCC Sport Back Then?
“We are doing fine at present. We are fit and the players are raring to go. As a team, we want to play again. Have got players who have had the chance over this period to take players off, being three goals up in many games after 60 minutes. We have been fortunate in that respect. It was a tight game. We did not get the rhythm in our passing but two fantastic goals won it for us. That was what was needed and we got it done.”
This win helped Manchester United to keep up the pace in the race of qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League. Although, they could have qualified for the competition winning the Europa League last season as well. They were in a comfortable position in the round-of-16 stages. Despite that, the eventual winners Sevilla knocked them out.
Solskjaer believed they were proud of themselves already. That was after the 18-game unbeaten run from January. He added that no one at the club saw them getting so close of top four in that time.
The Fall Beyond The Pride That Could Have Hurt Manchester United
“Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial are enjoying themselves. It is visible when they go out onto the pitch for a shift. The duo just goes out with a smile and they defend each other too. We need to smile and go into this, we have earned this right. Honestly, no-one even thought in January that we would be in with a shout for top four. We have done fantastic since the restart.”
Further, he was asked about if there will be any kind of crisis situation if United fails to make it to the Champions League at that point. The 47-year-old Norwegian denied that. He thought that it wasn’t too significant in that aspect.
What Ole Gunnar Solskjaer Went On To Add?
“We have already talked about for the years to come. Do have to have a long-term plan. Despite that, short-term some decisions will be easier to make if you get the Champions League. It is about winning. However, it is also about our fans and the way we approach the game. Play with pace, power, play with no fear, take risks and have got players who have got quality. That is just the DNA of Manchester United.”
United was at fifth position in the Premier League at that point. This was after the 2-0 victory against Crystal Palace. They were level with points with Leicester City, whom they will play on the final matchday. After a successful appeal of Manchester City, UEFA had reduced their suspension. Due to this, Guardiola’s side would be playing in Europe’s biggest club competition next season. So it meant that the chance of qualifying in next season’s Champions League for the fifth-place team in the Premier League was over.
