Solskjaer: Man Utd must live up to favourite tag against Colchester

Manchester United is "big favourite" to reach the EFL Cup semifinal and has to perform as such, said Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Published : Dec 18, 2019 19:14 IST

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
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Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer insisted he would not accept complacency from Manchester United in a seemingly straightforward EFL Cup quarterfinal tie against Colchester United.

Solskjaer's men have an excellent chance to move within one match of a shot at the silverware when fourth-tier Colchester arrives at Old Trafford on Wednesday.

The U's stunned Crystal Palace and Tottenham en route to the last eight but head coach John McGreal admitted the underdog needs a "large slice" of luck to continue its run.

READ| On This Day: Jose Mourinho sacked by Manchester United

Solskjaer, who will make changes following the weekend draw with Everton, warned his players against dipping below expectations.

"When you put that Manchester United shirt on, complacency should not be in your head," the Norwegian told MUTV.

"And when there is a semifinal and a potential final there at stake, of course you have got to go out there and start brightly, start quickly, get your goals and then hopefully get through."

He added: "We are at home but, of course, this is a team that has knocked out Tottenham and Crystal Palace, so there is no way we are going to take them lightly.

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"Even though we are favourites and big favourites, we know you have to go out there, perform, create chances and score goals. We hope to do so."

The match marks 364 days since Solskjaer returned to Old Trafford, initially as a caretaker manager following Jose Mourinho's dismissal.

He has faced plenty of scrutiny over the past 12 months but said: "My first year has gone very quickly and it has been so enjoyable.

"It is just an honour and privilege, of course, and I will make sure that I can have a good celebration on Wednesday."

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