PHIL YOUR BOOTS, CITY
OLE Gunnar Solskjaer has challenged his Manchester United team to take a step towards landing his first trophy as manager at Old Trafford, saying: ‘These players are desperate to learn how to win.’
United were knocked out at the semi-final stage of both domestic cup competitions last season, as well as in the Europa League.
As they prepare to face Everton in the quarter-finals of t he Carabao Cup at Goodison Park tonight, Solskjaer stressed t he importance of building a winning mentality.
‘Yes, of course it is something we’re aiming for,’ said the Norwegian, who won 12 trophies as a player at United.
‘We want to improve every season and to improve on last year is to get to the final. Of course, when you get to the final, there’s only one thing that matters — and that’s to lift the trophy.
‘I remember winning my first trophy. Even towards the end of my career, it was Patrice Evra’s and Nemanja Vidic’s first trophy in the 2006 Carling Cup.
‘It does give something to a team. We are desperate to get our hands on a trophy, and these players are desperate to learn how to win.’
Even so, Solskjaer will make changes to protect his players during the busy Christmas period.
Scott McTominay and Luke Shaw are set to miss out after going off in Sunday’s 6-2 win over Leeds, while Solskjaer will consider leaving Bruno Fernandes on the bench.
The United boss confirmed that Jesse Lingard would be i n the squad having not featured since the win at Brighton in the last round at the end of September.
Edinson Cavani could make his first start in five games after recovering from a groin injury, and Mason Greenwood may also r eturn to t he line- up after making way for Dan James against Leeds.
‘Jesse will definitely be in the squad,’ said Solskjaer. ‘ He’s been working hard in t r ai ni ng. He’s been unfortunate with having to isolate a few times, being in close contact with Covid but not having it himself.
‘Edinson’s been out with an injury for a while, so we need to get him going, and Bruno is one that I also have to protect.
‘Mason’s fit enough to play. He was on the bench (against Leeds) and it just wasn’t to be for him to come on. He will be involved in the squad unless something happens in the next couple of days.’
Kick-off: 8pm, Goodison Park. TV: LIVE on Sky Sports Main Event from 7.30pm. Referee: Andrew Madley.