Solskjaer's verdict on cup victory
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was pleased with the way his Manchester United team started and finished the Carabao Cup quarter-final at Goodison Park - and dominated the part in the middle too.
Only some profligacy in front of goal in the first half prevented it from being the perfect performance against Everton, who were unable to really threaten the Reds.
Speaking after the game to both Sky Sports and MUTV, Solskjaer had plenty of positives to pick out as he reflected on how his side reached the fourth semi-final of his United tenure.
DELIGHTED WITH THE EARLY STAGES
"It was a very good start. In the first 20, 25 minutes I thought we were excellent, we should have been one, two or three up, but Robin Olsen made a few good saves and kept them in the game. Then they had a good spell, just before half-time, but in the second half, I thought we dominated. I can’t remember Dean [Henderson] having a touch on the ball really. We almost did an Everton on them, we were in the box, we had corners, we had set plays, crosses and chances. I’m a bit disappointed we didn’t go one or two goals up, but it was an excellent performance in the second half as well.”
Speaking after the game to both Sky Sports and MUTV, Solskjaer had plenty of positives to pick out as he reflected on how his side reached the fourth semi-final of his United tenure.
DELIGHTED WITH THE EARLY STAGES
"It was a very good start. In the first 20, 25 minutes I thought we were excellent, we should have been one, two or three up, but Robin Olsen made a few good saves and kept them in the game. Then they had a good spell, just before half-time, but in the second half, I thought we dominated. I can’t remember Dean [Henderson] having a touch on the ball really. We almost did an Everton on them, we were in the box, we had corners, we had set plays, crosses and chances. I’m a bit disappointed we didn’t go one or two goals up, but it was an excellent performance in the second half as well.”
Solskjaer: Winning gives us energy Video
Solskjaer: Winning gives us energy
The boss praises Cavani, two standout performers and says our hectic schedule isn't a problem...
CAVANI'S FINISH
“First of all, it’s great movement by Anthony, a great pass and a great touch to go past him on his first touch and you’ve just got to focus on hitting the corner. Keep it low, with a little bit of curve and it’s a top-quality strike.”
MINA INCIDENT WAS MINOR
"It was two South Americans who have had a few battles before, not long ago. I think they [Cavani and Mina] met in the Copa America qualification. But no, this was a proper game of football, with fans, some tackles, with some yellow cards, chances at both ends, so I enjoyed it."
“First of all, it’s great movement by Anthony, a great pass and a great touch to go past him on his first touch and you’ve just got to focus on hitting the corner. Keep it low, with a little bit of curve and it’s a top-quality strike.”
MINA INCIDENT WAS MINOR
"It was two South Americans who have had a few battles before, not long ago. I think they [Cavani and Mina] met in the Copa America qualification. But no, this was a proper game of football, with fans, some tackles, with some yellow cards, chances at both ends, so I enjoyed it."
SUBS MADE A DIFFERENCE
"You never know what's going to happen in a game of football. The first goal always changes the game. As long as we were in the game, I knew they [Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial] could come on and make an impact. You know how quick and sharp they are, how powerful and strong. So we tried to swap around a little bit the dynamics of the game. Even Luke [Shaw], when he comes on, has got that strength and power to drive down that side. It’s important to have a squad and have players that can come in and make a difference and they did.”
WHAT WE LEARNED
"Well, of course we know that when we defend well, we've got players to win us the game. The spirit in the camp is really good. Winning gives energy, gives you a boost for the next game now on Boxing Day, and we're in the semis so we're one step away from the final."
"You never know what's going to happen in a game of football. The first goal always changes the game. As long as we were in the game, I knew they [Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial] could come on and make an impact. You know how quick and sharp they are, how powerful and strong. So we tried to swap around a little bit the dynamics of the game. Even Luke [Shaw], when he comes on, has got that strength and power to drive down that side. It’s important to have a squad and have players that can come in and make a difference and they did.”
WHAT WE LEARNED
"Well, of course we know that when we defend well, we've got players to win us the game. The spirit in the camp is really good. Winning gives energy, gives you a boost for the next game now on Boxing Day, and we're in the semis so we're one step away from the final."
Quarter-final photos
GalleryCheck out these pics from our Carabao Cup last-eight clash with Everton.
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED: PLAYERS RESTED, GAME WON
“Well, when you win games it doesn’t matter how you do it and you know you’ll have energy anyway. We could play tomorrow, now probably. We’ve won, we’ve gone through, so those changes [to the team] probably don’t matter. A result is the most important thing and we’ve gone through. The players know we trust them. We have a big squad and everyone has to step up at different times in the season. It’s a big game for players who haven’t played for a while, Axel [Tuanzebe] for example and Eric [Bailly], they’ve not played for a while. They did really well!"
SEMI-FINALS: TIME TO WIN ONE
"It's the worst game to lose, probably, a semi-final. At least when you get to a final, you get that feeling, the build-up, so we've got to do everything we can to get to the semi-final in a good state. Of course we've got many league games before then."
“Well, when you win games it doesn’t matter how you do it and you know you’ll have energy anyway. We could play tomorrow, now probably. We’ve won, we’ve gone through, so those changes [to the team] probably don’t matter. A result is the most important thing and we’ve gone through. The players know we trust them. We have a big squad and everyone has to step up at different times in the season. It’s a big game for players who haven’t played for a while, Axel [Tuanzebe] for example and Eric [Bailly], they’ve not played for a while. They did really well!"
SEMI-FINALS: TIME TO WIN ONE
"It's the worst game to lose, probably, a semi-final. At least when you get to a final, you get that feeling, the build-up, so we've got to do everything we can to get to the semi-final in a good state. Of course we've got many league games before then."
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