United can go all the way in Europe, says Solskjaer

Manchester United can win the Champions League according to interim manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who said: "We fancy ourselves."

Published : Mar 07, 2019 09:18 IST

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer backed Manchester United to win the Champions League after his side's dramatic away-goals victory over Paris Saint-Germain ensured progression into the quarter-finals for the first time in five years.

Marcus Rashford's stoppage-time penalty clinched a remarkable result at Parc des Princes, where United became the first club to progress to the next round of the Champions League after losing the first leg of a knockout match at home by two or more goals.

Their 2-0 defeat at Old Trafford seemed a distant memory after Romelu Lukaku scored a first-half brace and Rashford hit a late winner following a controversial decision to award a penalty for handball against Presnel Kimpembe.

With the likes of Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund out of the competition, interim manager Solskjaer was asked whether silverware in Europe was a realistic prospect this season.

"Of course we fancy ourselves," he told reporters following Wednesday's clash.

"We can go all the way, but we just have to wait for the draw and take each game as it comes.

"We've had loads of injuries, suspensions, but that was maybe a good thing today as we had a fresh team, loads of energy. We knew we had to defend, be humble enough to work hard and we had a team to do that."

RELATED | Thiago Silva: PSG did the same thing as Real Madrid

Solskjaer's attentions will turn immediately to the Premier League, with a trip to Emirates Stadium and a crucial match against Arsenal looming on Sunday as he looks to maintain his unbeaten domestic run since taking charge in December.

When asked whether victory over PSG would ensure he gets the job on a permanent basis, Solskjaer was as pragmatic as ever.

"I keep doing this job the best I can every single day and then let's see where it takes us," he said.

 

"It's been a fantastic time, with the players and staff I've got working with me. I've just got to say I'm going to enjoy this job for as long as I've got it.

"If It's another two months, three months, however long it is, I'm going to enjoy it, I'm going to smile.

"I am planning, with the club, for the future. It does not matter if I am here or not. I am still giving my advice and opinions for next season.

"I am a supporter as well, and I want the best for Man United. We planned how we were going to go through, and we did it.

RELATED | Lukaku backs Solskjaer for United job after PSG miracle

"It's special when you're a coach or manager doing it. The dressing room in there was absolutely unbelievable," he added, after celebrating with former United boss Alex Ferguson and ex-team-mate Eric Cantona.

"Just to see the whole club together, with the owners, ex-managers, ex-players, it's a great atmosphere."

Solskjaer reserved special praise for goalscorers Marcus Rashford and Romelu Lukaku who steered United to an improbable win in the face of multiple injuries.

"Absolutely fantastic," Solskjaer said of Rashford. "Fearless, the kid has no doubts, no fear.

"When you're young you don't have any fear. Of course, I wasn't sure we were going to score. I'd been in the Champions League before with Molde and we played Barcelona and got a penalty in the last minute to go through and we missed it.

"So, of course that went through my mind, but Rashy [Rashford] and Rom [Lukaku] were on penalties, it was up to them to fight to get it and Rashy slotted it brilliantly."

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