Solskjaer being forced to rest players to cope with marathon season

OLE Gunnar Solskjaer acknowledged he is having to manage his players’ conditioning with their season about to extend beyond a year.

United overcame Copenhagen in extra-time of their Europa League quarter-final almost a year to the day since they began their campaign against Chelsea on August 11.

The Reds have already played 60 matches this season and Nemanja Matic and Victor Lindelof were the notable absences from the starting XI, 15 days on from United’s final day league win at Leicester. M.E.N. Sport reported Solskjaer was considering resting regular players during the latter stages of the Europa League in Germany.

The United boss introduced Matic and Lindelof for Fred and Eric Bailly midway through the second half and both could be recalled for Sunday’s semi-final.

“We have a squad and we decided to start with the team we did on Monday and when we put Nemanja and Victor on, the game was there for us to attack,” Solskjaer said.

“Eric was on a yellow card and I didn’t want him to end up in a difficult situation wanting to do a tackle.

“Fred played really well but Nemanja has a calming influence on the game and did really well.”

Matic was relaxed about his own conditioning, saying: “We are in a good position. The season was long but we knew what to expect. We have to be ready mentally.

“Physically we are fine. We are in the same position as every other team. The most important thing is to be mentally ready. That will decide the semi and final.”

Against Copenhagen United had 26 shots at goal and drew 13 saves from Karl-Johan Johnsson, who was only beaten by a Bruno Fernandes penalty five minutes into extratime.

The win put United through to their third semi-final of the season, having lost to City in the Carabao Cup over two legs and Chelsea in the FA Cup.

“Of course we had close to 30 shots, half of them probably on target and the keeper had the game of his life,” Solskjaer added after Monday night’s win.

“He was really good, then again I could say we need to be more clinical in knockout games.

“But I’m delighted we’re through to the semi-final with this team.

“Next challenge is to go one step further and win this one.”

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer