I can’t wait to lock horns with Leeds!
16 YEARS AFTER LAST TOP-FLIGHT CLASH, OLE SAYS...
OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER reaches his second anniversary as Manchester United manager today, but it means less to him than the other notable occasion at Old Trafford this weekend.
Solskjaer says he cannot wait to renew hostilities with Leeds United as the old rivals meet in the Premier League for the first time in nearly 17 years tomorrow.
The Norwegian was a player the last time United faced Leeds in February 2004 in the top flight, before relegation cast the Yorkshire club into the wilderness three years after reaching the Champions League semi-finals.
Solskjaer made his mark on one of the most fiercely contested fixtures in the English calendar, especially in the 2001-02 season, when he came off the bench to head a late equaliser at Old Trafford, then scored twice in a 4-3 win at Elland Road.
As he prepares to lock horns with Leeds as a manager, the United boss said: ‘I can’t wait. It’s been too long. I know how much it means for our supporters and club.
‘There were some fiery games with tackles flying in and players from both teams who were winners. We had a few fights, of course. Elland Road wasn’t the quietest place when we came off the coach walking into the stadium, put it that way.
‘I enjoyed scoring two goals in a win at Elland Road. Sunday is a massive game. We have been waiting for years and we will be ready for it.’
On the subject of his anniversary and the progress made since ce he returned to o United in December 2018, initially as caretaker boss, the 47- year- old was less enthusiastic. ‘I hate talking about what I’ve done and where e we’re at,’ he said.
‘ I always look forward orhere’s and I know there’s a lot of work to be done still to get to the standard and level I want.
‘I’ve really enjoyed these two years, even though games like the Sheffield United one make my hair turn even greyer very quickly!’
Edinson Cavani trained at Carrington yesterday and Solskjaer expects the Uruguay striker to be available for the first time in four games after recovering rec from a groin gr strain. The game will also stir s memories for Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa, but in his case it will be a 3-2 win against Sir Alex A Ferguson’s United U at Old Trafford fo with Athletic Bilbao Bilb in a Europa League Leagu last- 16 tie in 20122012. ‘ThThe image of the 8,000 Basque fans who attended the game, I have it installed in my memory,’ said Bielsa. ‘Football is identification and you can identify yourself when you face these kind of opponents. ‘The bond of communication goes stronger in these games. This process is so rich in history, especially in English football.’