Manager’s playing down of knockout success was a psychological move that worked well in Milan
If Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s declaration that cup competitions should not be the gauge of
Manchester United was a cute psychological move it reaped dividends at Milan on Thursday. Needing victory at the San Siro, his side duly delivered to eliminate Stefano Pioli’s team and move into the Europa League quarter-finals. Next United travel to Leicester on Sunday for their other realistic route to silverware: the FA Cup.
Solskjær’s perspective shifted noticeably on sudden-death competitions before United’s trip to
Italy. Rather than claim a triumph would be a major step and crucial for his side’s development, which has been his stance, United were to be judged primarily on
Premier League performances and position.