Cup win not necessarily good indication of Man United progress, says Solskjaer

The Norwegian believes that United's domestic run is indication of its improvement and not cup competitions where luck plays a significant part.

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer celebrates after the match against West Ham, March 14, 2021, Old Trafford, Manchester.

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said on Wednesday that winning a trophy is not necessarily a good indication of progress ahead of his side's Europa League last-16 second leg against AC Milan, insisting the club is improving every day.

The jury is still out on Solskjaer into his third season at United, with the club having not won a trophy since its 2017 Europa League success when coached by Jose Mourinho.

However, after finishing sixth and third in the Premier League under Solskjaer, United sits second in the English top-flight standings this season, and the Norwegian feels domestic improvement shows where the club is at.

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"I think that you have to say that when you see the culture of what is happening every day I feel a lot of improvement in the everyday routine, everyday work that we do," Solskjaer told a news conference.

"The boys have taken on board what we want. We are 12 points ahead of where we were in the league last season. Of course, we are always looking to win trophies, but as we have said, sometimes a trophy can hide what else is happening at a club.”

"It is the league position where you see if you are progressing really. In some cup competitions, you can be lucky or unlucky."

Solskjaer was in a confident mood ahead of the clash against Milan in the San Siro on Thursday, despite United having been held to a 1-1 draw in the first leg.

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"We need to perform at our best level," he added. "They are a physical side with loads of energy, but these are the sort of games that we need to challenge and see if we can really reach the next level."

The return of recent absentees David de Gea, Paul Pogba and Edinson Cavani for the trip to Milan has given Solskjaer a boost, but the United coach insisted none are guaranteed to start the match.

"There are a couple that we need to assess if they are available," Solskjaer said. "Anthony Martial is a definite no-go.

"Apart from that, we are assessing the rest as we speak. Some might travel still needing to confirm they are available still."