Ole Gunnar Solskjaer challenges Man United to summon spirit of Paris in Carabao Cup semi-final
Manchester United aim to summon the spirit of Paris and book their place in the Carabao Cup final.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side face the daunting task of overcoming a 3-1 first leg defeat in Wednesday's semi-final second leg against Manchester City.
He admits it will take the perfect performance to upset the odds – but hopes memories of last season’s remarkable comeback against Paris St. Germain in the Champions League will provide inspiration at the Etihad.
A 3-1 win at the Parc des Princes saw United progress on away goals after a 2-0 first leg defeat in the round of 16 tie.
Solskjaer says he has no choice but to go for it against Pep Guardiola - and will “go into the memory bank and think PSG."
“I have said it before, they are a team that can out-football you, if you are too open against them, which was the danger in the second half at Old Trafford,” he said. “But we did well in the second half so I was really pleased with the second half, we just have to give it a go.
“We are not going to lay down and not move for the 90 minutes so we can rest for the weekend."
Guardiola is also refusing to write United off after suffering a 2-1 defeat at home in last month’s derby.
“They have weapons and an enormous big squad and quality there,” he said. “I have incredible respect for their history, for Man United as a club. They can do it.
“When they defend deep they can run in three or four seconds. We experienced that not just the day we came and lost here in the Premier League. The season with (Jose) Mourinho was the same - they were incredible in the counter-attack. You have to try to control.
“The history speaks for itself. That's why people expect them to be there. But it’s cyclical. Sometimes you have periods and progress, sometimes a little bit below, but they’ll always remain one of the best teams in the world. There's no doubt about that.”
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