Exclusive interview with Solskjaer before Leipzig

The Norwegian is feeling confident ahead of tonight's must-not-lose trip to RB Leipzig, after securing a ninth consecutive league away win, against West Ham at the weekend.

While admitting that he'd like to see the Reds take the lead on the road more often, saving the need to constantly come from behind and win, Ole told MUTV's Stewart Gardner that he believes in his side's quality, character and experience, which will all be vital in getting the job done in Germany.

Read our full pre-match Q&A with the boss below...

Ole, first of all, how is morale and confidence after such a dramatic weekend?
“Yeah, of course, it gives you a boost to be able to, yet again, turn a game around and show our qualities and character in the second half. It gives you confidence, so we’re looking forward to this game.”

Regarding the squad, a couple of players came off at the weekend – Cavani, Martial; David wasn’t involved. What’s the situation ahead of this week?
“David is back again. Luke [Shaw] will be travelling with us. Anthony and Edinson, they had minor things but they won’t make the trip, no.”

These all-or-nothing nights, you’ve had a few of them in your time and in your playing career as well. Do you relish them?
“Definitely. That’s what the Champions League should be – and is – about. It’s a test of character, a test of how far we’ve come. Football is all about performing when it matters and it’s one of those tests. We’ve got to the last game. We’ve done really well to get there and, of course, we need a point. We want to go there and put our authority on the game and hopefully win.”

You mentioned there about needing a point. Is that inevitably in the mind of yourself and the players? I know you’re not playing for a point, but is it in your mind at least?
“It’s in your mind, of course it is. We know we don’t have to take silly risks. You just have to make good decisions. The mindset has to be to go out there and try to win the game, in a way that is sensible. That’s what we’ll do.”

On nights like this, what is the key? Is it keeping cool heads, or do you look at that experienced players?
“There’s loads of different things, but of course composure and experience is important. What is experience, how do you use your experience? There are players that have played 500 games but they still make the same mistakes. You might be experienced enough if you’re 20 or 21. It’s about decision-making and performing, trusting yourself and doing your best. Experience in these big games, it’s about making the right decisions.”

We’ve won 13 of our last 14 away games and I think they’ve won all their home games this season. It’s a fascinating match-up, but I suppose you must get confidence from that remarkable run of away wins?
“Of course. I think the boys know that as well. Even if you’re 1-0 down, 2-0 down even, we have the character and the quality to get back. Of course we’d like to be going into games, or second halves, on-up or two-up instead. You get games like this, that might again be decided on margins. We’ve got to earn those margins for ourselves.”

As for Leipzig, do you like the Leipzig side? They’re going well in the Bundesliga and got an amazing draw at Bayern at the weekend…
“They’ve got good players, a good team and the way they’ve risen up the ranks has been impressive. Tomorrow night is all about Man United and how we perform. When we are at our best, I think any side will struggle against us.”

We were impressive in that 5-0. Is that relevant and do you think it will be on their minds?
“Yeah, of course it’ll be on their minds. It’ll be on our minds too. We know there are a few things we did right, but there are a few things we need to correct. It’s got no bearing on what happens on the pitch. As soon as it kicks off, every player will make the decisions and make their ability and attributes count for their team.”