Reds face £116m price tag for Sancho
THE scale of United’s ambitions this season has changed markedly over the last 17 games and after Friday’s Europa League draw they may have ratcheted up another level.
While the Reds would have gladly snapped up the opportunity of a top-four finish in January, their improved form and recent dazzling displays mean that should be a bare minimum now, even if they remain fifth with four games to play.
Four wins from four would secure fourth, with United travelling to Leicester City on the final day, and they have an easier run-in than the Foxes and rivals Chelsea.
Given the way they’ve disposed of their last four Premier League opponents, and the attractiveness of their next three league fixtures, United should have an eye on the possibility of claiming third place.
Even if they achieve that, there may well be some disappointment in the squad if they don’t add some silverware to a more than respectable league placing.
After edging past the now relegated Norwich City in extra-time in the FA Cup quarter-finals, Solskjaer spoke about the importance of winning a trophy for his young team.
“We’re in the semi-finals and we’re delighted with that,” he said. “Last year we got to the quarterfinals and lost to Wolves. Now, at least, we are in the semi-finals at Wembley.
“It’s important for this team to win their first trophy or to get to their first final together. That will help the winning culture because we have to start winning things.”
In monetary terms and to attract top players, Champions League qualification is obviously the bigger reward for United, but lifting the
FA Cup or the Europa League, if not both, is a realistic priority as well.
United know what they need to do to taste FA Cup success. A fourth win this season against Chelsea a week today will secure a final on August 1 against either City or Arsenal.
They wouldn’t be favourites against the Blues but they have beaten them three times in four meetings this season.
If the Gunners spring a surprise over Pep Guardiola’s men and United get past Frank Lampard’s side, then the Reds would be favourites to win the cup.
Then, in August, the Europa League resumes and United have been handed an enticing draw. Their last-16 second leg against LASK Linz is basically a bye, given the 5-0 lead they already hold, but the one-leg quarterfinal as part of the ‘final eight’ format in Germany should hold no fear either, given they will play the winners of the tie between FC Copenhagen and Istanbul Basaksehir.
The Danish side hold a 1-0 lead from the first leg and although Basaksehir are on the brink of a first Turkish SuperLig title, it is a weak
It’s important for this team to win their first trophy or to get to their first final together
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
iteration of that competition and the presence of Gael Clichy, Martin Skrtel, Demba Ba and Robinho in their side is more like an episode of Premier League Years than a team who could really test a vibrant United right now.
The semi-final will inevitably be tougher against either Wolves, Olympiacos, Sevilla or Roma, but that is to be expected, and if they maintain their current form United would be favourites against all of them. Sevilla are clinging on to fourth in a poor La Liga while Roma won’t be qualifying for the Champions League from Serie A. United will finish above Wolves in the Premier League.
Perhaps it is only a meeting with Antonio Conte’s Inter Milan in the final and a potential reunion with Ashley Young, Alexis Sanchez and Romelu Lukau that will unduly concern United.
In just over two weeks we’ll know if United have secured a top-four finish and if they’ve reached the FA Cup final, but this delayed season could yet hold even more for this side. Their priorities have changed as a result of recent form.