While Manchester United played out a 0-0 draw at the Old Trafford against Real Sociedad and progressed to the round of sixteen of the Europa League, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer introduced Shola Shoretire to world football. The 17-year-old winger became the youngest Manchester United player ever to feature in any European competition, beating the likes of Norman Whiteside, current teammate Mason Greenwood, and Gary Neville.
Solskjaer feels that the youngster is very humble in nature and will have a big career at Old Trafford. Although he wanted Shoretire to make his debut in a stadium full of fans, he feels that the time will come when fans will cheer him on.
The Norwegian tactician also praised him on his technique and also revealed how he is trying to gradually bring him into the squad.
He’s a young kid we believe in. He’s got a great attitude, he’s an athlete, technically very, very good and makes good decisions. We want to gradually feed him into this team. He’s got his feet firmly on the ground hopefully we’ll see loads of him in the future.
Solskjaer said.
Manchester United have not had a great time playing high voltage knockout clashes as they ended second best in three semifinals last season. The Red Devils even lost the Carabao Cup semi-final this season against arch-rivals Manchester City. Therefore, when questioned whether the semi-final defeats motivate the players even more to give their best, Solskjaer told BT Sport,
Yes, of course.
You remember the defeats more so than the wins, and especially the semi-finals. You’re so close to the final and the big stage and we had three of them – we’ve already had one this season – so this group feels hurt, of course, and they want to go further.
We failed in three semi-finals, we want to do better and improve, the culture is really improving.
With the season entering its business end, Solskjaer highlights how this phase is important for the Red Devils as they face tough opponents in Chelsea, Leicester City, and others ahead of the international break. But he is confident that his team is in great shape and the confidence among the players is high.
Now until the international break we’ve got seven games, Chelsea, Leicester, City, so massive games West Ham, too. Who knows who we draw, so these three and a bit weeks now are going to be massive for us. But we’re in a good place, confidence is good, and hopefully, we get a few players back in,
he added.
While United are through to the round of 16 and await their next opponent, Solskjaer reveals how he would love to face his former side, Molde in the next round. The Norwegian outfit have beaten all odds and have progressed through by beating Bundesliga side Hoffenheim.
Of course I’d like to meet Molde. I spoke to Erling Moe (Molde manager) this morning and they had loads of injuries and some illness Given the stage of the season they’re at, that must be the performance of the round to go through against Hoffenheim. Absolutely exceptional.
I’m so proud of Erling and the boys. If we play them we know it’s going to be difficult. Unfortunately, if we draw them it’s not going to be in Norway. From a sporting point of view, I’d rather take someone else.
With other formidable teams like AC Milan, AS Roma, Arsenal, Rangers, etc. it will not be an easy ride for the Red Devils. Solskjaer will want to get his whole roster available and everyone at their best to compete and challenge for the Europa League this season. But with fitness and fatigue playing a big role this season, the Norwegian tactician has shown the world the depth that Manchester United possess in bringing in a 17-year-old rookie who may play a big role with the club in the coming seasons.
