Man Utd boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says Europa League is perfect launchpad for youngsters

Solskjaer: "I think if we'd been in the Champions League this season I probably or maybe wouldn't have had the chance to play the likes of Brandon and Mason as much as we have."

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says Europa League has been great for likes of Mason Greenwood

 

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is determined to lift the Europa League trophy at the end of a competition that has provided the "perfect" platform for Manchester United's development.

While every season away from European football's top table is a gut punch for the Old Trafford giants, Solskjaer believes this Europa League campaign has aided his side's development.

 

"We went into this season knowing that Europa League is a great chance for us one to get a trophy, to get far in a tournament," he said ahead of United's one-legged last-eight tie in Cologne.

"But also to groom a few of the youngsters and it was perfect for us.

"I think if we'd been in the Champions League this season - of course we all want to be the Champions League - I probably or maybe wouldn't have had the chance to play the likes of Brandon (Williams) as much as we have, Mason (Greenwood) - so many of the young kids who have now started what's going to be fantastic careers.

"The Europa League has also been about that as well. It's about keeping the squad together, have a group that is working together and giving people chances.

"When they take them - Brandon is going to play in a quarter-final in the Europa League. It's a great achievement for him this season and it's a perfect for us."

After trips to Holland, Serbia, Kazakhstan, Belgium and Austria, United are now in Germany searching for continental silverware in a new-look final-eight tournament.

As a result of the coronavirus pandemic, empty stadiums will play host to single-leg ties in a frantic period in North Rhine-Westphalia, where United kick off the mini-tournament with a quarter-final against FC Copenhagen in Cologne on Monday evening.

The United squad will have to stay in a bubble with Solskjaer hoping they can go all the way to the final on August 21.

"I think it is strange and it is not football as it should be - I think it's changed a little bit," said the United boss.

"That little bit of passion and edge to the game is missing because the fans have got to be there. But I have to commend our players. They've handled the situation really well and I know our fans can't wait to get back to Old Trafford and support us.

"We'll just have to try to make the most of this Europa League now and hopefully get as far as we can, so they are looking forward even more to seeing the players." โป๊กเกอร์ 3 ใบ

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