‘Little bit to go’: Solskjaer dampens Man Utd title talk

Will Ford
Varane
Varane

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer doesn’t believe “anything is beyond” Manchester United this season, but claims they “have a little bit to go” to be in a position to win trophies.

The Norwegian is heading into his third full season at the helm at Old Trafford and is till waiting for his first piece of silverware.

United have been dumped out at the semi final stage of knockout competitions on four occasions in his reign, as well as losing the Europa League final to Villarreal last season.


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And under that pressure, Solskjaer claimed last season that success is not all about trophies, labelling them as an “ego thing” for managers.

He said: “In the league position you see if there’s any progress for me, that’s always the bread and butter of the season that you see how capable you are of coping with ups and downs.

“Any cup competition can give you a trophy but sometimes it’s more of an ego thing from other managers and clubs to finally win something.”

But there is even greater expectation this season following the arrivals or Raphael Varane and Jadon Sancho in the summer transfer window.

Solskjaer says he is “excited” by his squad ahead of the new season, but claims they “have a little bit to go” to be in a position to win trophies.

“We know we’re a good team, but we know we have a little bit to go to be where we want to be and win trophies,” he told Sky Sports.

“I’m excited by the squad. I don’t think anything is beyond these boys. It’s just how we fare between now and the end of the season.

“How much sacrifice, how much discipline, how much team camaraderie, how much consistency, how much hard work, blood, sweat and tears – all these qualities and cliches.

“If you want to be the best you have to live like the best, you have to work as the best and perform every three days. It’s going to be tough, but it is possible, definitely.”

United talisman Bruno Fernandes who has regularly spoken of his desire to lift trophies.

And ahead of the new season, Fernandes said: “As I always said, for me, being at this level, at this club, we want to win. It’s because of that I know we have the chance to win everything we are included in.

“After, you can win or not, but we have the chance and we should and we will do our best to win something of course.”