Ole Gunnar Solskjaer challenges Manchester United players to ‘learn how to win’ trophies

United lost three semi-finals last season, falling short in the EFL Cup, FA Cup and Europa League

Mark Critchley
Northern Football Correspondent
Tuesday 22 December 2020 08:37 EST
Comments
Manchester United lost three semi-finals under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer last season
Manchester United lost three semi-finals under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer last season (Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has challenged his Manchester United players to "learn how to win" trophies as they prepare for their EFL Cup quarter-final against Everton on Wednesday night.

Solskjaer oversaw three disappointing semi-final exits from last season's EFL Cup, FA Cup and Europa League as United fell short of winning the first trophy of his time in charge.

Those runs to the latter stages of three cup competitions has given Solskjaer's squad a taste of silverware, according to the United manager, and he believes his players are now "desperate" to take that next step.

"Of course [winning a trophy] is something we're aiming for," he said. "We want to improve every season and to improve on last year is to get to the final and, of course, when you get to the final there's only one thing that matters and that's to lift the trophy.  

"I remember myself winning my first trophy. Even towards the end of my career, I think it was Patrice Evra and Nemanja Vidic's first trophy in the Carling Cup, 2006 was it? I think that was their first trophy and it does give something to a team.

Read more: Victor Lindelof will play through pain to maintain Manchester United’s title hopes

"We are desperate to get our hands on a trophy, these players are desperate to learn how to win."

Solskjaer is expected to rotate his side for the trip to Goodison Park, with Jesse Lingard among those in contention to play.

Mason Greenwood could feature having watched Sunday's 6-2 win over rivals Leeds from the substitutes' bench but Bruno Fernandes is likely to be rested.

"Mason's fit enough to play, he was on the bench," Solskjaer said. "Of course, Luke [Shaw] came off with an injury so that had to be done, Edinson [Cavani]'s been out with an injury for a while, we need to get him going and Bruno is one that I also have to protect. 

"It just wasn't to be for Mason to come [against Leeds] and he will be involved in the squad unless something happens in the next couple of days."

On Lingard, Solskjaer added: "Jesse will be in the squad. He's been working hard in training. He's been unfortunate with having to isolate a few times, been in contact, or close contact with Covid, not even having it himself.  

"He's been very unlucky being away from the training ground a few times. He works really hard and he'll be involved in the squad, definitely, on Wednesday."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in