Ole believes comeback possible

OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER believes Manchester United can still “climb the mountain” despite their 3-1 firstleg defeat at Old Trafford to rivals Manchester City in the Carabao Cup semifinals.

United were outclassed by their neighbours in the first half, with Solskjaer admitting that their initial response to Bernardo Silva’s opening goal was the worst his side have played this season.

But an improved second-half performance and a Marcus Rashford goal gave Solskjaer slender hope of a turnaround during the second leg at the Etihad in three weeks’ time.

City will be heavy favourites to reach March’s final at Wembley after a Riyad Mahrez strike and Andreas Pereira own goal followed Bernardo’s opener.

But after rallying his players during the half time interval, Solskjaer believes an unlikely comeback is possible.

“Of course it’s a difficult task that we’ve got in front of us but that second half gave us something to hang on to,” he insisted.

“From the first goal until half time we couldn’t cope with that setback. We were running in between, the pressure didn’t work. We let them play and our heads dropped.

“We made decisions we shouldn’t do and that needed sorting at half time.

“From their goal until half time is the worst we’ve played but it doesn’t matter now. We’ve got to focus on Saturday and Norwich after that second half.

“The second half was a good response. Even though it’s a steep mountain to climb, we can still climb it. We’ve got to look forward.”

“We’ve shown before we have been down from a home tie and turned it around. PSG is the latest example and we have to believe that we can put on a performance.”

Solskjaer revealed that he told his players at half time: “There are still three 45 minutes to be played. We’ve got to stay in the game and make sure we win the second half.”

The United manager added: “I’ve said before it’s not a quick fix, the two teams you’re talking about (City and Liverpool) are the best in the world, Europe.

“This is something that we’ve started and I think you can see we’re still a way off. We started something that needed doing.”

Rashford’s goal means United will force a penalty shoot-out with a 2-0 win at the Etihad. Away goals and extra time were abolished in the semifinals last year.

Solskjaer’s side are, somehow, still alive in the tie but this game should be seen as a reminder of how urgently United need reinforcements this month, even if they are more expensive than the club’s owners would like. – The Independent/Agencies