Solskjaer's press conference
TranscriptOle analyses the Everton win and looks forward to a mouthwatering semi-final, against Manchester City…
How would you define the performance? “An excellent performance from the beginning. I thought we should’ve been one or two goals up at least. The first 25, 30 minutes we put them under pressure, we were in their box, created loads of chances and again you always know that it’s going to be difficult against Everton and they pegged us back a little bit from the last 15 minutes of the first half, but we defended well. Second half I thought it was a tight game but we had a little upper hand and then when it opens up and the spaces appear we did really well.” You made nine changes. Can you win through versatility now? “Of course we’re happy with the squad at the moment. Let’s just have a little look here now. We've got Man City in the semis, so that’s going to be a big game.” Is the squad better equipped to go one step further this season? “We’ve had three semi-finals last year of course, and it’s a step not far enough and this year again, as last year, we’re playing them [Man City] in the semis so let’s see how we fare.” The last couple of performances... is that down to confidence? “You know we’ve got a big squad, we trust them. Every time you win a game you get energy and it boosts your morale and belief. Tonight we played Wednesday night, we have 12.30 again on Saturday – not happy with that one of course - but the energy that we get from winning and going through is hopefully going to make up for it.” What's the mood like in the camp? “Results breed good spirit and a good mood, and it breeds confidence. So of course we’re confident, we are fit. You can see the longer the game lasts we grow, I feel – a big difference from the beginning of the season. So we are in a good place at the moment. But we don’t get too carried away, because we know every game is a cup final. It’s going to that type of season, it’s going to be so tight. We’ll keep our feet well on the ground and just work hard, try to improve.” What did you make of Donny’s role and performance tonight? “He’s one of those clever players than can move into space, find space – the same as Bruno to be fair – and the two of them we wanted them in between the lines to get on the ball and he linked the play really well for us and I thought he did well.” Cavani has had a slow start, but is he the answer to a lack of productivity in front of goal? “I think you’re wrong. I don’t think he’s had a slow start, I think he’s done really well. I think he’s been excellent. Obviously he’s been injured. Anyone can be injured. He came late, so I’m really pleased with his influence in the dressing room, his habits that he brings to training, his attitude to the game, and you can see how well he looks after himself. He’s scored some very important goals for us and he gives us experience and he gives a lot. So he’s just going to get better and better of course, because he was out for seven months and we’ve been patient with him, but I think he’s made a big impact.” How do you think Paul did tonight and how has he done over the last few weeks? “Paul is getting fitter and fitter and that’s the biggest thing with Paul, because his last year and a half have been marred with injury and COVID and another injury in the international break. So I was very pleased with his performance, very pleased with his contribution to the team. He’s playing better and better and probably will just improve and improve.”