‘These players want to know how to win!’ Ole Gunnar Solskjaer challenges his team to win the Carabao Cup and land his first trophy as Man United boss as they prepare to take on Everton in the semi-finals
- Manchester United face Everton on Wednesday in the Carabao Cup last eight
- Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is aiming for the trophy as his first silver medal
- As a United player, Norway was used to earning respect
- Now he wants to win the same kind of mindset in the current squad
- United reached three semi-finals last season but lost all three
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has challenged Manchester United to take a step closer to landing his first win as manager at Old Trafford, saying: ‘These players are desperate to learn how to win. ‘
United were knocked out in the semi-finals of last season’s two domestic cup competitions as well as the Europa League.
As they prepare to face Everton in the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup at Goodison Park on Wednesday night, Solskjaer stressed the importance of winning mentally.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants his Manchester United team to get their first piece of money to win their minds – and is aiming for the Carabao Cup this season
United showed their class as they beat Leeds 6-2 at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon
Solskjaer and Sir Alex Ferguson with the League Cup following Man United ‘s success in 2006
‘Yes, of course it’s something we’re aiming for,’ said the 12-time-winning Norwegian player at United.
‘We want to improve every season and get better last year to get to the finals. Of course, when you reach the final there is only one important thing and that is to pick up the prize.
‘I remember myself winning my first prize. Even near the end of my career, it was Patrice Evra and Nemanja Vidic ‘s first prize in the 2006 Carling Cup.
‘It’ll give a team something. We really want to get our hands on a cup, and these players want to know how to win. ‘
Nevertheless, Solskjaer will make adjustments to protect its players during the busy Christmas period.
Solskjaer was a major Premier League champion at the end of his first season at Manchester United (1996-97, left) and also at the end of his last campaign in 2006-07 (right)
Scott McTominay, who scored two goals against Leeds, will miss the trip to Everton in the cup
Bruno Fernandes could start on the bench at Goodison Park after playing a lot in the last few weeks
Scott McTominay and Luke Shaw are expected to miss the game after going out in the big 6-2 win over Leeds, while Solskjaer will consider putting Bruno Fernandes on the bench.
The United boss confirmed that Jesse Lingard will be in the squad without appearing from the win at Brighton in the final 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 return to the line-up after making his way for Dan James against Leeds.
‘Jesse will definitely be in the squad,’ Solskjaer said. ‘He’s been working hard in training. It has been unfortunate to part a few times, to be in close contact with Covid but not even to own it.
‘Edinson has been out with injuries for a while so we have to get him going, and Bruno is one I have to defend as well.
‘Mason is fit enough to play. He was on the bench (against Leeds) and did not want to come forward at all. He will join the squad unless something happens in the next day or two. ‘
