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'We are not a million miles away' - Solskjaer confident Manchester United are closing in on Europe's elite
The Red Devils have improved this season and their manager believes they aren't far off competing with the best teams in the world
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer believes Manchester United are "not a million miles away" from the best teams in Europe.
The United manager has spoken about progress this season, with his side sitting second in the Premier League and through to the semi-finals of the Europa League.
However, with United having beaten three of the four Champions League semi-finalists this season, the feeling is that they are not far away from the best in the world.
What was said?
Solskjaer again referred to fine margins as he spoke about the difference between his side and Manchester City, Chelsea, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain.
“The reality is, we are in the Europa League and they are in the Champions League, that is the reality - but when you sit and watch the games and you know how well you’ve done against these teams, you know we are not a million miles away,” Solskjaer said.
“It is about consistency. It’s sometimes little details go against you, fine margins go against you, we would love to have been going through the group stage. I felt we had done enough at one point but we just couldn’t get it over line.
"Now it’s about improving again and taking inspiration from good performances against them and learning from the bad performances and results we have had.”
How have Man Utd closed the gap?
Solskjaer’s side finished third in the league last season, but if they win their game in hand against Burnley on Sunday they will have closed the gap on league leaders Manchester City to eight points with six games to play.
While he concedes City’s form is too good to see them drop off top spot, Solskjaer is happy with how his side have improved during his tenue.
“The last three games against Burnley we’ve conceded two goals and not won last three home games against them. It is a massive game to show the mentality they have shown over the last 13 or 14 months,” Solskjaer explained.
“The attitude has been spot-on, the determination, the 'bouncebackability', the quality of not letting one defeat derail your season or lose the momentum, get straight back on for a win.
"The way they’ve coped with the whole situation, the players, they’ve impressed me, I have said it many times. The coaches, the little details to improve on. The devil is in the detail, there can’t be too many coaches around the world who look at the detail as much as mine. I’m delighted to be working with them.”
Team news
Paul Pogba was only brought off as a precaution due to being on a yellow card against Granada on Thursday night so there are no concerns about his fitness for the weekend clash with Burnley.
Eric Bailly is back in England after receiving a positive Covid-19 test and could be available, but Marcus Rashford is going to have to be assessed last minute. The forward missed the win against Granada as he continues to play through the pain barrier.
“It is a decision I have to make on Sunday morning,” Solskjaer said. “He is important for us. It is a difficult one. Have to go by how he feels in a couple of days.”
