Ole Gunnar Solskjaer outlines how Europa League heartbreak and the long-awaited return of fans could finally inspire Manchester United to silverware this season in an exclusive conversation with Sky Sports.
Twenty-two years have passed since that dramatic Treble-clinching goal in the Nou Camp, but the memories are as fresh now as they were back then. However, the events of May 26, 2021, are proving difficult to forget.
Following bringing United to their first major final under his leadership, Solskjaer's team crumbled at the final hurdle, losing to Villarreal in the Europa League final after a marathon penalty shootout. David de Gea will be remembered for missing a key penalty kick, but that was not the end of United's chances of triumph.
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The manner of the defeat clearly irritates Solskjaer, and it will probably continue to do so until he obtains the elusive first piece of trophy of his Old Trafford tenure. But it is that dissatisfaction, according to Solskjaer, that will be decisive in propelling United to victory this season.
"It was disappointing," Solskjaer told Sky Sports exclusively. "It was a game we should have won; there was only one shot against us that was on target, so we weren't under pressure." But it doesn't matter because the outcome was what it was.
"Waking up the next morning was an awful experience; you never want to feel that way again, and you never want to lose finals or important games." I'm wired that way, and I'm even more driven to succeed.
"Having those failures in finals sometimes helps you come back with extra motivation because you remember how you felt and don't want that to happen again." When you win, it's easy to rest on your laurels and assume, 'it's done, we're great players.'
"We know we're a fantastic squad, but we also know we have a long way to go to get to where we want to be and win trophies."
'I don't think anything is out of reach for these boys.'
United's trophy drought has already reached its fifth season, an inconceivable prospect at a time when Solskjaer the player was responsible for tormenting defenses and finding the back of the net.
The time has come to set aside all discussion of potential and growth in favor of actual rewards. Solskjaer is aware of this and is certain that the squad he is assembling is closer to his vision of a winning team.
After pledging his future to the club until 2024, United manager Jose Mourinho has brought in Jadon Sancho and Tom Heaton, with Raphael Varane due to arrive at any moment. With considerable skill at Solskjaer's disposal, it appears that success ultimately depends on the application.
"I'm excited about the team," he continued. "I don't think anything is out of reach for these boys." It all depends on how we do between now and the end of the season.
"How much sacrifice, discipline, team togetherness, consistency, hard effort, blood, sweat, and tears - all these virtues and cliches."
"If you want to be the greatest, you must live like the best, work like the best, and perform every three days." It will be difficult, but it is certainly doable."
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"I've seen development; progress in the coaching staff, playing staff, in the club and how we operate things," he continued, "but we haven't won anything yet."
"At Manchester United, that is what we are here for." I'm used to coming out on top. When I was a player here, we finished third once and first or second every other year.
"We know we're in the most intense and competitive league in the world, and we have to be at the top of our game from game one to game 38 if we want to win the Premier League."
'Fans will provide us with energy after a difficult year at home.'
Manchester United has been given an ideal opportunity to start off their new Premier League season in style, with fans returning to Old Trafford for the visit of rivals Leeds on the opening weekend.
The lack of fans was felt all around the country, including at the Theatre of Dreams. United was unbeaten away from home for the whole 2020/21 season, however, they lost six and drew four of their 19 home Premier League games.
With the Old Trafford gates reopening fully for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic began, and United not facing any of last season's top five in their first seven games, Solskjaer's side has an opportunity to make a great start.
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