Man Utd: Solskjaer says first trophy will be 'dream come true'
Manchester United go into their match against Roma knowing they’re just three victories away from winning the Europa League. Silverware has eluded the Red Devils under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer so far, with the club yet to win a trophy since emerging victorious in the same competition four years ago. And Express Sport will now take a look at four players under pressure to deliver in arguably their biggest match of the campaign.
These days, David De Gea is no longer United’s No 1.
Though the Spain international has improved this term, after making too many errors last year, it’s not been enough to see him placed above Dean Henderson in the pecking order.
With Henderson starting the majority of Premier League matches at present, however, De Gea could start against Roma.
A solid display between the sticks will only add to Solskjaer’s selection headache.
Yet a bad one will likely see calls for him to be sold intensify, especially given his weekly wage of £375,000-a-week.
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Manchester United need solid De Gea and Maguire performances in Roma clash (Image: GETTY)
Marcus Rashford
Marcus Rashford was the hero when United faced Celta Vigo in the last four of the Europa League in 2017.
He scored the only goal of the game in Spain, netting via a terrific free kick.
Rashford has evolved since, with Solskjaer coaxing the best from the forward in a way Mourinho never could.
And United’s best chance of victory will come if the 23-year-old enjoys a fine night at the office.
The club are never quite the same when Rashford isn’t fully firing and he’ll be vital to their hopes of making the final.
Manchester United duo Paul Pogba and Marcus Rashford have won the Europa League before (Image: GETTY)
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Solskjaer’s apology
Speaking before the game on Wednesday, Solskjaer insisted he wasn’t being disrespectful to Roma when he claimed he didn’t know much about them.
“That was straight after the game and with all the games we’ve had I was just relieved we’d gone through,” he said.
“I’d watched them but hadn’t analysed and hadn’t seen them in depth to give them enough respect, probably. It’s a fantastic club with a great history.
“I’ve actually got two prized possessions back home [from when he played]: a Totti shirt and a De Rossi shirt that I’ve swapped with them and they’re actually signed, so I know about the history, I know about the quality.
“With Chris [Smalling] being there last season, we followed them – then they signed Chris and we’ve not watched them as much but we have analysed them down to the ground since we drew them.
“We are ready for them. It was not meant as any disrespect; I think everyone knows that. I’ve got loads of respect for them.”