Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer insists he didn't want to disrespect Roma and recalls the Red Devils' 7-1 win against the Giallorossi in 2007: 'We want a performance like this again.'
The Giallorossi are the only Serie A side still involved in European competitions and face Manchester United in the first leg of the Europa League semi-finals at Old Trafford tomorrow.
Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer insists he didn't want to disrespect Roma and recalls the Red Devils' 7-1 win against the Giallorossi in 2007: 'We want a performance like this again.'
The Giallorossi are the only Serie A side still involved in European competitions and face Manchester United in the first leg of the Europa League semi-finals at Old Trafford tomorrow.
Roma fans have criticised Solskjaer after he said he "didn't know Roma well," but the Red Devils' coach clarified his thoughts during a pre-match press conference today.
"That was staright after the game, I was just relieved we had gone through. I have watched them but not analysed in depth to give them enough respect," Solskjaer said.
"Roma are a fantastic club. I have a Totti shirt and a De Rossi shirt I swapped with them! We have analysed them since. We are ready for them. It was not meant as any disrespect."
Solskjaer was still a footballer when the Red Devils beat Roma 7-1 at Old Trafford back in 2006.
"I remember both games, I started the first one. We dug out a very good result after 2-1 defeat. That night was magical. Alan Smith was excellent, we showed what United can do. We want a performance like this again," the coach claimed.
Marcus Rashford and Eric Bailly are both back fit, but Anthony Martial and Phil Jones are injured and won't be available tomorrow.
"We have managed Marcus and we have had to do it for quite a while. I feel he's gone through the worst now. He's available for selection tomorrow, he's happy with the progress," Solskjaer said.
"We have had a great night in this tournament before. Our focus is on ending the season with a celebration," he continued.
"As soon as we went out of Champions League our focus was getting to a final. We feel we have been in a proper competition, we have enjoyed it.
"It will be a dream come true the day I can lift a trophy for this club as a manager. That is what we're building for."