Ole: No repeat of Everton horror show
Man U boss admits defeat was his lowest point, hails impact of new signing Fernandes
>> MANCHESTER: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is confident that Manchester United will not repeat last season’s embarrassing “capitulation” against Everton as they seek to strengthen their push for a Champions League place.
United make the short trip to Goodison Park today in an upbeat mood after seven games unbeaten — and six clean sheets — in all competitions.
On Thursday, they progressed to the last-16 of the Europa League after a 5-0 win at home against Club Brugge gave them a 6-1 win on aggregate.
Solskjaer endured what remains his most chastening day in the hotseat last April at Everton, apologising to fans after a 4-0 rout as their season unravelled.
“That was the lowest I’ve been,” Solskjaer said, referring to the Everton defeat. “I think you all know that and remember that. That was a capitulation.
“We had absolutely nothing about us, even though their goals were more or less counter-attacks from set plays and long throw-ins.”
The Norwegian said he was certain his side would produce a better performance today.
“I can with hand on heart 100 percent say these boys will never give in and never give up like that team did,” he said. “These are the boys we want to build the next team around.”
Of that starting line-up, Chris Smalling has left on loan, Phil Jones has barely featured and Paul Pogba has seen his playing time heavily restricted by injuries. Romelu Lukaku is the only starter that day to have left permanently.
United at last appear to have found some consistency and confidence after a bumpy season but Solskjaer said he knew it would take time.
The January arrival of Portugal midfielder Bruno Fernandes has lifted the team, who were fifth in the Premier League table, three points behind fourth-placed Chelsea, who visited Bournemouth yesterday.
“We knew when we made the decisions we made in the summer it was going to take time,” said Solskjaer. “As I’ve said a few times, Rome wasn’t built in a day.
“The culture, the attitude, the fitness, the camaraderie, the team spirit and maybe even the understanding between players have improved.
“We have missed that box opener that Bruno [Fernandes] is proving to be now.”
Solskjaer again praised Fernandes over the impact he has made since his arrival at Old Trafford, saying he had been a “big boost” for the team.
“He just loves football,” he said. “He’s got so much enthusiasm and smile about him.”
Meanwhile, Everton’s Brazilian forward Richarlison says that the Champions League was a definite target for the team and remains so despite Sunday’s 3-2 defeat at Arsenal.
“Since the start of the season, our objective has been to qualify for the Champions League,” said the striker whose team are just five points behind United.
“With the arrival of Carlo Ancelotti we have improved. Unfortunately we lost an important game against Arsenal and we wanted to use that game to climb up the table.
“But on Sunday we have another important game, against a direct rival for one of these positions, and we are going to give our all in this game to try and climb the table.”