Solskjær hopes to make final the first of many for Manchester United | Paul Wilson

After producing a leaner, fitter, infinitely more watchable side the manager wants to make the most of chance to beat Sevilla in the Europa League semi-final

It was probably just the heat that prompted Ole Gunnar Solskjær to go for the controlled casual look in Manchester United’s last game against Copenhagen, though there was no mistaking that the figure sitting alone in the dugout in white shirtsleeves looked cooler and more relaxed than his more animated counterpart, Ståle Solbakken.

Perhaps that is no big deal, though Solskjær at the moment can arguably do relaxed better than Jürgen Klopp or Pep Guardiola. Less than two years after returning to Manchester United as manager he is almost at the Carlo Ancelotti level of detached serenity, but with considerably better results. The background noise that accompanied his first year back in the Premier League, the good luck charm effect of a fresh-faced antidote to José Mourinho wearing off as soon as his caretaker status was made permanent and the doubts that surrounded the club sticking with a relative novice when Mauricio Pochettino had made himself available for the job subsided some time ago.

Related: Solskjær's simple plan hints at red dawn for new-look Manchester United | Barney Ronay

Related: Martial provides the drive to prolong Manchester United's endless season | Barney Ronay

Continue reading...

More...