Man Utd boss, Solskjaer brought on Shoretire in the second half of United’s 0-0 draw with Real Sociedad on, meaning the youngster (17y 23d) became their youngest-ever player in Europe; Solskjaer would like to face former side Molde in Europa League last 16.
Shola Shoretire has a bright future and will play in front of Man Utd’s fans, says manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, after becoming their youngest-ever player in European competition.
Solskjaer brought on Shoretire in the second half of United’s 0-0 draw with Real Sociedad on Thursday, with his side going through 4-0 on aggregate, putting the youngster (17y 23d) ahead of Norman Whiteside (17y 131d), Mason Greenwood (17y 156d) and Gary Neville (17y 211d).
What a feeling to make my European debut! To become United’s youngest ever player in Europe is an incredible honour and a proud moment for me and my family! On to the next round ???????? #MUFC pic.twitter.com/dE4fZ90yjz
— Shola Shoretire (@SholaShoretire) February 25, 2021
The United boss says Shoretire has his feet on the ground, with a bright future ahead of him, predicting he will get more playing time when fans eventually return to Old Trafford.
“He’s a young kid we believe in,” Solskjaer said. “He’s got a great attitude, he’s an athlete, technically very, very good and makes good decisions. We want to gradually feed him into this team. He’s got his feet firmly on the ground hopefully we’ll see loads of in the future.”
He also told BT Sport: “He’s got some skills and attributes that we think are going to make a very good player here. It’s a platform, of course, tonight, just 15 minutes. It’s something to build on, something to remember for him at Old Trafford.
Read also: Shola Shoretire, Amad debut as Man Utd progress
“But then again, with the fans, he would have enjoyed it more because they give you so much more energy than football at the moment. It is strange, it is different, but I’m sure all the fans will see him later on.
Asked if the memory of three semi-final defeats last season, and another this season, was fuelling his players this time around, Manchester United boss Solskjaer told BT Sport: “Yes, of course. You remember the defeats more so than the wins, and especially the semi-finals.
“You’re so close to the final and the big stage and we had three of them – we’ve already had one this season – so this group feels hurt, of course, and they want to go further.
“We failed in three semi-finals, we want to do better and improve, the culture is really improving.
“Now until the international break we’ve got seven games, Chelsea, Leicester, City, so massive games West Ham, too Who knows who we draw, so these three and a bit weeks now are going to be massive for us. But we’re in a good place, confidence is good, hopefully we get a few players back in.”
With several intriguing opponents awaiting the last 16 – including Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s former club Molde, or one of three other British sides in Tottenham, Rangers and Arsenal – all eyes turn to the draw at midday on Friday.
A few eyebrows were raised at Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team selection on Thursday evening for a tie Manchester United had complete control of the tie – “We’re 4-0 up…“ was actually trending on Twitter before kick-off – as United made just four changes from the side that beat Newcastle in the Premier League, including a start for star man Bruno Fernandes.
But Solskjaer made full use of the five-subs rule in Europe, including three at half-time, as United showed the depth in their squad goes beyond their registered Premier League players.
Shola Shoretire became their youngest-ever player in European competition having turned 17 just 23 days ago, while Amad Diallo, just 18, made his Old Trafford debut.
In fact, five out of the 10 outfield players to finish the game were academy graduates as United’s proud tradition of bringing through youth continues. But interestingly, Marcus Rashford, one of those graduates, became the first Premier League player to make 40 appearances this season in all competitions, showing the need to rotate.
Solskjaer will continue to take this competition seriously after three “hurtful” semi-final defeats in just eight months, but the opportunity to prioritise one over the other shows no sign of appearing any time soon.
United’s next seven games over three-and-a-half weeks before the international break – including Premier League games against Chelsea, Man City and West Ham, plus the Europa League last 16 two-legger and Leicester in the FA Cup last eight – may define their season.
When is the last 16 draw?
The draw will take place at midday on Friday, February 26 in Nyon’s House of European Football at 12pm UK time. You will be able to follow it across Sky Sports’ platforms.
What’s next?
Man Utd now go to Chelsea in the Premier League, live on Super Sunday at 4.30pm on Sky Sports Premier League, followed by a trip to Crystal Palace on Wednesday, also on Sky Sports Premier League at 8.15pm.
