Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is looking forward to the Europa League final

Premier League giants Manchester United take on Spanish side Villarreal in a pulsating final on Wednesday.

File photo - Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in training ground; Credit: Manchester United Twitter
By Karthik Raman | May 26, 2021 | 2 Min Read follow icon Follow Us

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said he is “excited” and is looking forward to the Europa League final against Villarreal on Wednesday. Ole famously helped Manchester United win a European trophy – Champions League – scoring a late injury-time winner against Bayern Munich in Nou Camp 22 years ago. Now he has a chance to win a European trophy as a manager for Manchester United.

“I feel good, no nerves. Of course, you’re excited and looking forward to it. It’s a fantastic stadium with nice surroundings and an environment for a good game,” Ole was quoted as saying by the club’s website. United had won the Europa League in 2017 under Jose Mourinho when they defeated Ajax 2-0 in the final.

Ole feels qualifying for the final is a reward for the way the team has been playing for the last two years. “Well, the final, first of all, is the reward for all the hard work they’ve put down in the last two years,” he added.

“They have worked together as a group and the spirit is fantastic, so now we hope we can perform on Wednesday night because that’s the main thing. We will prepare as normal and then I’m sure the result can hopefully come.”

It was on 26th May in 1999, Manchester United lifted the Champions League trophy with a late goal by Solskjaer against Bayern. And on the same day, United will play the Europa League final.

When asked what would it mean to win a European trophy as a player and as a manager for Manchester United, the Norwegian replied, “Of course, you can expect my answer – it’s something that you dream of. Now is not the time to dream though, now is the time to do the last preparations and don’t let your mind wander too much.

“We have to prepare as we normally do. As a Man United fan myself, of course, I’m looking forward to this and sometimes you have to dream. It’s hard not to, but you have to make sure you focus on the job.”

He also spoke about the tough challenge the club is set to face against Unai Emery’s Villarreal on Wednesday. “Their manager has won the most Europa Leagues in the history of the tournament. They’re a team with loads of experience, up front, at the back and in midfield, so we know we’ve got to play well,” he added.

“We’ve prepared well, we’ve prepared to win, we always expect to win any game of football, but we know we have to earn it by being a good Man United.”





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