Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Ole Q&A: We know what to expect from Wolves

Saturday 04 January 2020 07:59

Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is prepared for another tough test at Molineux when we face Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Emirates FA Cup third round.

In an exclusive interview, the manager spoke about our previous games with the Black Country outfit and his memories of playing in the world’s oldest cup competition.

Scroll down to find out who is in line to feature against the Midlanders and Ole’s plans for squad selection over the coming week…

Ole, first of all, any casualties from Arsenal? Or any new injury issues?
“No, there’s a little bit of illness in the camp but that’s normal through this time of year. So we just have to find out tomorrow [Saturday] who’s waking up okay. Apart from that, players are coming back from injuries. Hopefully we can see Axel [Tuanzebe] soon, Tim [Fosu-Mensah] and Eric [Bailly], they’re going to play a Reserves game soon, hopefully. Diogo [Dalot]’s back obviously, Marcos Rojo hopefully soon back, so we’re getting there.”

Did Axel get injured before Christmas?
“Yeah, he got injured in the game against, was it Colchester? Colchester, yeah.”

You’ve got another big cup game coming up on Tuesday, you’ve just played a load of big games as well. What’s in your mind, does it have to be a case for rotation?
“Yeah, you have to. That’s the only logical and sensible solution because players, you’ve got to respect what they’re doing – physically and mentally – what they’re doing. Running round, it’s high intensity. Football’s changed so much since I played. There will be some changes. It has to be. You see Brucey [Steve Bruce] for example, he got four hamstring injuries in one game, you see Harry Kane got his hamstring, so we need to look after the players.”

Yeah, in particular in midfield, your resources are stretched because of a few big injuries to players. Is there a possibility of any youngsters having to play in that area?
“We’ve got a couple of youngsters doing well. Jimmy [Garner], Dylan [Levitt], but they’ve been injured and ill so they’ve unfortunately lost quite a bit of football recently, so they’re not ready. They’re just getting back and, hopefully, I think we’ll see Jimmy on Monday in the Reserves but Dylan I don’t think is ready yet either.”

Last year in the FA Cup, Sergio played in goal. Is that a thought for these cup games coming up?
“Sergio will play. He’ll be in goal. He’s been fantastic when he’s played. He’s played in the Carabao Cup a couple of times, he’s played in Europe, so he’s keeping his record with them games. He’s sharp, he’s played not enough for his liking, but, whenever he’s called upon, he’s produced.”

Is it fair to say we’re due a win at Molineux?
“I’m not sure you can say you’re due a win. How can you you? It’s a tough place to go. We’ve been three times, this is the fourth time since I came. So, in 10 months, we’ve been there four times. Liverpool lost there last season, [Manchester] City just lost there, so we know it’s a tough place. We’re under no illusion that this is going to be an easy game and that it’s our time to win. We’ve got to deserve and earn it."

You played well there, though, in August…
“Definitely. That was the best game we’ve played against them, we deserved to win that one. I thought we dominated. They’ve got quality players and the way that they’ve chopped and changed they’re a strong squad.”

Highlights: Wolves 1 United 1 Video

Highlights: Wolves 1 United 1

Looking for a quick hit of action? Watch the goals and key moments from our 2019/20 trip to Wolves...

They have that clearly defined way of playing. Does that make it quite tricky as it’s kind of a well-oiled machine?
“It’s natural. The longer you get as a manager and coach and have a group together, you find your patterns, you find your ultimate and ideal way to play. They’ve chopped and changed a little bit, now they’ve gone back to what they did before last season. Last season, they changed a bit, that’s the privilege of any manager who gets some time in a place and Nuno [Espirito Santo]’s done really well.”

It’s that time of year when people ask whether the FA Cup matters as much. What’s your view?
“Every game, when you play for Man United, means a lot. And, of course, we know we’re in a hectic period and there’ll be a couple of changes, but we’re going there to win.”

Solskjaer won the FA Cup twice with United, in 1999 (pictured) and 2004.

And you won two finals, 1999 and 2004. Where do those medals stand in your collection?
“The ’99 cup final at Wembley was a big moment for me. I felt proud, because I’ve always watched the FA Cup final on telly back home. Walking up and playing at the old Wembley, starting the game, was a big moment for me. 2004, I think I came on, I can’t really remember that one. 2007, we lost, I came on as a substitute to take a penalty but they scored towards the end. I think the FA Cup is a big and special tournament.”

The last four draws we’ve had, we’ve had Arsenal away, Chelsea away, Wolves away and now Wolves away again. We have to do it the hard way, don’t we?
“Yeah, but we don’t get any credit for that. You know last season, beating Chelsea, beating Arsenal, you think we’ve got a chance here. But we fell at this hurdle [at Molineux]. Hopefully, we can do something about it this year.”

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