Solskjaer hopes for third-time lucky semi
Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer hopes his team can make it third-time lucky and reach their first final of the season after steering United to the Europa League last four after a 1-0 extra-time win over FC Copenhagen on Monday.
United laboured in disposing of the Danish side in 90 minutes, with their 21st penalty kick of the season, converted by Bruno Fernandes in the 95th minute, enough to book a semifinal clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers or Sevilla.
Norwegian Solskjaer, chasing his first silverware as United boss, is hoping a repeat of their League Cup semifinal defeat by Manchester City and FA Cup last-four loss to Chelsea will not be repeated in Cologne on Sunday.
“We need to be more clinical in knockout games,” Solskjaer said. “I am delighted we are through to another semifinal for this team and the next challenge is to go one step further, and then hopefully win the [final], too.
“We have worked hard and come quite a distance from where we were in terms of fitness, but mentally — that is where [the semifinals] are decided, ” he said.
United’s performance will not give Solskjaer too much hope of going a stage further. While they had plenty of chances, their finishing left much to be desired, as they struggled to cope with the energy-sapping conditions.
“We’re used to having the best facilities around in the world for recovery and preparation,” Solskjaer said.
“But not this time. We just have to make the most out of a difficult situation in conditions that are really hot, humid.
“We’ve got six days to prepare. There’s not many times that we have six days to prepare for a game.”