Ahead of the clash opposing AC Milan to Manchester United in the Europa League round of 16's first leg tonight, the Premier League's side head coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has spoken about the game in an exclusive interview with his club's official website.
On the latest team news in terms of injuries:
“Yeah still a few players unavailable, so we’ll be without David [De Gea], Phil Jones of course, Paul [Pogba]’s not ready. Donny [van de Beek] won’t be ready. Juan [Mata] won’t be ready. Edinson [Cavani is] not there yet and Marcus [Rashford] is probably out as well. So there’s quite a long list there, but look at the ones who are available instead”.
On whether there’s still plenty of talent at his disposal:
“Yes, of course. We’re in good form. The mental boost Sunday [the 2-0 win at Manchester City] gave us, the morale boost, confidence boost – of course, we’re looking forward to this one. It’s a big game and a great club that we’re playing against. They’ve got the tradition, the history, quality, they’ve got class. It’s always been a club we’ve had good relationships with".
On this Europa League game feeling like a Champions League's:
“That’s just the way it is and this is definitely one for the supporters to have a look at. I feel Milan as well, have an exciting new team, a young team, even though Zlatan [Ibrahimovic]’s playing! He comes in and gives them the experience. But they’ve rebuilt and now they’re second in the league and challenging to win [it]. Of course, it’s a good, good challenge for us".
On Ibra being unavailable for the first game and Dalot's return to Old Trafford:
“Diogo has done really well, he scored a very good goal this weekend and he’s enjoying his time over there. It’s a chance to have a look at him for both sets of fans. We’re very happy with Diogo, that he went there to get the experience of playing for such a massive, iconic club and getting the standards required every single week".
On whether it does matter which leg is first in the current climate:
“No, I don’t think so. I’ve never been too fussed about home or away first. Sometimes to have the away game last might be a good thing because if you do your job here at home, you’ve got a good starting point. Of course, it’s two massive games and we’ve got the league and FA Cup in [March] as well, so we’ve still got many, many things to focus on".
On the terrific battles between United and Milan over the years:
“Yeah, fantastic games. I remember the goals Kaka scored at Old Trafford [in the 3-2 win], what a tremendous footballer he was. I still remember loads of games and you know the team with [Andrea] Pirlo and [Gennaro] Gattuso and [Clarence] Seedorf and all them. It was a fantastic team".
