Marcus Rashford admits only Europa League glory will save Manchester United from another disappointing season as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side bid to end four-year trophy drought ahead of last-16 second leg in Milan
- Rashford says anything less than Europa League victory will be a disappointment
- Solskjaer also recognises the fact that they must end four-year trophy drought
- United face AC Milan in the second leg of their last-16 clash on Thursday night
Marcus Rashford insisted that Manchester United will consider anything less than lifting the Europa League a disappointment this season.
United face AC Milan in the second leg of their last-16 clash on Thursday night following last week’s 1-1 draw, a potentially season-defining few days before a FA Cup tie at Leicester.
Neither Rashford nor manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer shied away from the reality that United must begin collecting trophies after a four-year drought.
Rashford admits only Europa League glory will save United from another disappointing season
‘That’s been the aim since we unfortunately got kicked out of the Champions League, the focus was to win the Europa League,’ Rashford said. ‘Anything less than that, I know the team and staff are not going to be happy. We’ll do our absolute best.’
Solskjaer agreed with his striker, who is nursing an ongoing shoulder complaint, but did claimed United’s progress ought to be measured on their Premier League position.
The Norwegian suggested previous victories in cup competitions have masked fundamental failings at Old Trafford. Jose Mourinho won the Carabao Cup and Europa League in 2017.
Manchester United face AC Milan in the second leg of their last-16 clash on Thursday night
Solskjaer has not shied away from the reality that United must end four-year trophy drought
‘I felt a big rebuild had to be made,’ Solskjaer said. ‘It’s in the league position for me. That is always the bread and butter.
‘Any cup competition can give you a trophy but sometimes it’s an ego thing for managers and clubs. Sometimes a cup can hide the fact you’re struggling a bit. a trophy can hide the other facts of what’s happening at a club.
‘We need to see progress. If we progress well enough then trophies will end up at the club again. One trophy won’t say we’re back, no, it’s the gradual progression and consistency of being around the top of the league while adding the odd trophy.
‘We’re 12 points ahead of where we were at the same stage last season in the league and we’re all aiming to win trophies. Sometimes It’s in the league position where you see us progressing really.
Paul Pogba (M), Edinson Cavani (R) and David De Gea will all travel to Italy after recent injuries
‘Sometimes in the cup tournaments you might be lucky or unlucky with the draws and games decided on different factors. We’re aiming to win trophies, it’s why you play football.’
Paul Pogba, Edinson Cavani and David De Gea are all travelling to Italy after recent injuries and paternity leave, with Solskjaer set to assess their fitness on Thursday morning. Eric Bailly and Anthony Martial miss the trip.
‘We saw last week how difficult it will be,’ Solskjaer added. ‘We need to perform at our best level. We’ve never been too lucky with the draws. But our players need these games to really see if we can reach the next level. Tomorrow is going to be about quality, experience, game-management. I always enjoy being away from home in the second leg.’
