Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has likened Manchester United’s impending encounter with Liverpool to the side’s memorable match against Paris Saint-Germain last season.
United were without a number of their top stars ahead of the Champions League last-16 tie but progressed into the quarter-finals with a stunning 3-1 win (agg: 3-3) at the Parc des Princes.
This weekend, David de Gea and Paul Pogba are set to miss out through injury and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Anthony Martial, Luke Shaw, Jesse Lingard, Phil Jones, Diogo Dalot and Mason Greenwood are also doubts for the Old Trafford clash.
In an interview with United’s official website, Solskjaer spoke with optimism over his team’s chances against Premier League leaders Liverpool despite their miserable run of form before the international break.
The Norwegian hopes his players react well to being massive underdogs and summon the spirit which saw them beat PSG back in March.
‘You know, injuries are part and parcel of the game,’ Solskjaer said.
‘I can’t say who is going to be available but we’ll have 11 men out there and it reminds me a little bit of the PSG situation.
‘We had loads of players out, everyone writes us off and are happy about that because, how can I say it, everyone doesn’t want us to win.
‘But it’s Manchester United people, the Manchester United family, and we need to stick together because the 11 men out there will definitely give us what they have.’
Rio Ferdinand has urged Manchester United players to understand the ‘importance’ of their clash with Liverpool and play without fear at Old Trafford.
‘This Game Is That Big… The fact that even now after the many games we won, great comebacks, cup wins & #UCL nights…. I still get #mufc fans coming up to me saying “Rio, that goal against Liverpool was my childhood” or something of that nature.. (I have to ask what one as I have scored a couple of bangers against them!) But it just shows you what this game means to Manchester United & the fans,’ the former United centre-back said on Instagram.
‘As a player who comes into the club & who isn’t local you are quickly made aware what this game means to you – EVERYTHING.
‘You can’t lose, you leave everything on that pitch, you win your individual battles, you give their fans nothing to shout about, you send them back across the M62 in silence…I could go on!
‘But it’s about every single one of the squad understanding the importance of Man Utd vs #LFC. You would see some new players, British or foreign, after a game sitting there wide eyed saying “I didn’t realise it was this mad & that the city gets so crazy leading up to the game”.
‘Losing just isn’t an option & today that couldn’t apply more. The position #MUFC are in adds even more pressure on the players. The players can’t see it like us fans though – thinking about all of the above just adds to the pressure of a game of this magnitude. The players have to see this game as a huge opportunity for themselves as individuals & as a team to be the catalyst for a bright new future by playing an important role in getting a win.
‘This is an opportunity to play a pivotal role in turning around the fortunes at this great club. That should make them excited going into this game not fearful – fear comes with not being able to handle the pressure. We can’t go there. Seize the opportunity should be the mentality going into this game. Go and do it.
‘Enjoy these moments, they are great……when you win! Good luck to the boys. Rio.’
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