Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reminds his Manchester United players of the dramatic Champions League final triumph in 1999 to inspire them, defender Chris Smalling has revealed.
Two stoppage time goals against Bayern Munich, including the winner from Solskjaer, saw the Red Devils complete one of the greatest comebacks in European football history at the Nou Camp 20 years ago.
And the Norwegian will return to Barcelona with United, this time as manager, as he attempts to overcome the odds once more and eliminate the irrepressible Spanish champions in the quarter-finals.
United set up the Barcelona clash with a miraculous comeback victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the previous round – and Smalling explains how the spirit of ’99 inspires the current squad.
2
Smalling has established himself as United’s first-choice centre-back under Solskjaer
The England international told talkSPORT: “The fact that he’s been there, done that and now he’s our manager… he’s able to share his insight in certain situations because ultimately that Champions League campaign [1998/99] had some blips along the way.
“Having what he’s gone through, for us, is a massive boost.
2
Solskjaer’s goal completed perhaps the most remarkable comeback in European football history
“He used it before PSG and before a couple of big games. That’s what we want to hear, we want to hear stories and he’s very good at telling things that he’s been through with Sir Alex [Ferguson] and as a player.
“To hear those is massive inspiration for all of us and helps lead to the comebacks that we’ve had.â€
LATEST FOOTBALL NEWS
The Red Devils welcome Barca to Old Trafford on Wednesday night following a run of three defeats in their last four games.
However, Smalling insists United will thrive off the big occasion.
LIVE ON talkSPORT
talkSPORT is your home of live football! Here's what's coming up on talkSPORT and talkSPORT 2...
- Birmingham vs Sheffield United (Wednesday, 7:45pm) – talkSPORT 2
- Slavia Prague vs Chelsea (Thursday, 8pm) – talkSPORT 2
- Manchester United vs West Ham (Saturday, 5:30pm) – talkSPORT
- Leeds vs Sheffield Wednesday (Saturday, 5:30pm) – talkSPORT 2
- Wigan vs Norwich (Sunday, 12pm) – talkSPORT 2
- Crystal Palace vs Manchester City (Sunday, 2:05pm) –Â talkSPORT
He added: “We don’t have it easy… PSG and then Barcelona. But ultimately, those are the games you dream of playing in when you’re a kid; you watch them on TV.
“Having that chance to go out there and do something that you love is something we’re all looking forward to.â€
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer tells Manchester United youngsters to emulate two Class of 92 stars. Solskjaer named four academy teenagers on the bench against Paris Saint-Germain but he has a message for
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reveals what Manchester United summer
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer tells stories about 1999 to inspire
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reveals how many points Man Utd need to make top four. Get the biggest Manchester United FC stories by email. De Gea and Smalling look on after the own goal
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer tells his Man United players to quickly
Chris Smalling has revealed that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has shown a 'nasty side' in the dressing room since taking over the reins as Manchester United interim manager. Solskjaer replaced Jose
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reveals Chris Smalling injury boost
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reveals what Manchester United summer signings must have. Man Utd caretaker manager has outlined the criteria for any summer signings at the club, regardless of whether or not
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reveals how many points Man Utd need to
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has told his Manchester United players to forget about their FA Cup exit. United have suffered successive defeats now to Arsenal and then Wolves on Saturday night.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer joins Man United stars at Football
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was joined by Nemanja Matic, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling at a dinner on Thursday night for Football Beyond Borders. The Manchester United cohort added star quality.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer confirms Manchester United captain
Manchester United vs Southampton: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reveals half-time message to inspire win. United trailed 1-0 at the interval to Yan Valery's stunning long-range effort
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer tells Manchester United youngsters to
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has confirmed that Antonio Valencia will continue as his Manchester United captain. Valencia was one of a number of players who fell foul of Jose Mourinho and the former boss
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer tells stories about 1999 to inspire Manchester United, Chris Smalling reveals The Red Devils manager has fond memories of the Nou Camp - and his side face Barcelona in the
Manchester United star reveals 'nasty side' Ole Gunnar
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has revealed that Chris Smalling is 'looking good' again ahead of Manchester United's clash with Burnley. Smalling has been out of action since the beginning of December
Manchester United vs Southampton: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
No comments:
Post a Comment