Solskjaer targets Champions League final

Manchester United has spent big in the transfer market since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer took charge in a bid to assemble a title-winning squad.

Published : Sep 14, 2021 08:14 IST , Berne

Manchester United has a squad that has a rich mix of youth and experience and will aim to win the Champions League, manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said on Monday ahead of the side's group stage opener against Swiss side Young Boys in Bern.

United has spent big in the transfer market since Solskjaer took charge in a bid to assemble a title-winning squad. The off-season saw Cristiano Ronaldo, Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane arrive with an outlay of over 120 million pounds ($166.04 million).

United was knocked out in the group stage last season but Solskjaer has his sights set on the club reaching its first final since 2011.

"The aim is to go all the way but we know it's going to be difficult... We've added some quality, experience and youth into the squad and hopefully we are better prepared for what's to come," Solskjaer told reporters.

"This team has grown and matured over the last few seasons. That was always the plan. When I came in, we wanted a team with experience and quality who could challenge. David (De Gea), Harry (Maguire) has been here for a few years now.

READ |

"The group is special, they look after each other and it's going to stand us in good stead. Sometimes you can go far with the youth as well but in some games, experience will play its part. But in others, you need the youthful exuberance and courage."

Young Boys won the Swiss Super League title last season and Solskjaer said he had been analysing its games ahead of the group opener at Stade de Suisse which has an artificial pitch.

"They are energetic, attacking-minded. We know it's going to be a very difficult game," Solskjaer added. "Astroturf is always a little bit of an advantage at home but we should be able to deal with it really well."

Solskjaer named youngsters such as striker Anthony Elanga and goalkeeper Matej Kovar in the travelling squad but Uruguayan striker Edinson Cavani is sidelined after picking up a knock in training.

Sign in to unlock all user benefits
  • Get notified on top games and events
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign up / manage to our newsletters with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early bird access to discounts & offers to our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide to our community guidelines for posting your comment