Victor Lindelof

United Briefing: Lindelof relishing season climax

Friday 30 April 2021 08:00

Victor Lindelof is relishing a busy end to the season after Manchester United hit six past Roma in a dominant home semi-final display.

The Reds came from behind and scored five second-half goals to put ourselves in a commanding position in the Europa League semi-finals.

Bruno Fernandes had put United in front early on, chipping the keeper after a wonderful move involving the jinking Paul Pogba and Edinson Cavani. When the ball struck Pogba's hand inside the box, Roma had the chance to equalise. Lorenzo Pellegrini made no mistake from the spot and Edin Dzeko tapped home a second for the visitors before the break.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admitted post-match that he shared some stern words with his players. It did the trick. Cavani got United back level after 48 minutes, scored another after 64 minutes and further goals came from Bruno, Pogba and Mason Greenwood, who came off the bench to find the net for the fifth time in April.

Highlights: United 6 Roma 2 Video

Highlights: United 6 Roma 2

Watch all eight goals from a hugely entertaining evening at Old Trafford...

Asked to pick the best of the goals, Victor admitted it was a difficult job.

"It's hard!" he told MUTV. "There were a few really good ones. Edi's goal, the one he put in the top corner, was very nice. The combination for the first goal was also very good. It's difficult to pick one but if I have to, I think I go for Edi's one in the top corner.

"I think Edi was absolutely brilliant today. I think he showed what kind of player he is. His experience as well; he was absolutely top in the way he managed the game, controlled the ball and obviously scored goals as well."

Cavani has now scored 12 goals for United, and six at Old Trafford, but is yet to be able to celebrate with the United supporters.

"That's a shame," Lindelof conceded.

"I think he would have enjoyed scoring goals in front of our fans and I think everyone is missing them. Hopefully, we can get them back because a night like this deserves fans."

Nights like this can convince Cavani to stay

 Article

Ole says Edinson simply has to experience celebrating his goals with the United supporters, the best in the land.

Having beaten Roma emphatically, United now host Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday.

"This is where you want to be at the end of the season," said the Sweden centre-back. "You want to be playing big games, you want to be playing semi-finals.

"I can only talk for myself but I'm enjoying it, I think all the guys are enjoying it as well because you always want to play the big games. It's brilliant."

Talking Points: United 6 Roma 2

 Article

Check out the main discussion topics from our Europa League semi-final, first leg victory.

WHAT'S HAPPENING TODAY?

We'll be showing some of the best bits of the resounding victory but focus will quickly turn to Sunday's match against Liverpool. You'll hear from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at lunchtime, with the manager's pre-Liverpool press conference available right here from 13:30 BST.

Look out for a chance to vote for our April Player of the Month once the nominees are released.

Elsewhere in the footballing world, Southampton take on Leicester City in the Premier League.

Matchday Review: United 6 Roma 2 Video

Matchday Review: United 6 Roma 2

Watch our full post-match show, featuring reaction from legends Denis Irwin, Gary Pallister and more...

WHAT HAPPENED YESTERDAY?

United put ourselves in a commanding position in our Europa League semi-final with Roma. Bruno Fernandes scored twice, taking his tally for the season to 26 goals. A couple more goals before the end of the season and the Portuguese star will beat the tallies of any United player in a single season since Robin van Persie hit 30 in 2012/13.

Elsewhere in the competition, fellow English club Arsenal lost 2-1 away to La Liga side Villarreal. Both teams had a player sent off which will cause complications going into a tight second-leg at the Emirates next week.

 

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