Solskjaer Predicts Late United Surge


Confident

By Chris O'Brien
April 7 2004

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer hopes that our F.A Cup victory over Arsenal will be the springboard needed for a late surge of form in the league. The Norwegian accepts that the chances of a ninth Premiership crown this season have died, but believes there is plenty to play for before May's F.A Cup final. New Page 1

Solskjaer Predicts Late United Surge
Manchester United's versatile forward Ole Gunnar Solskjaer believes that the Red Devils' terrific F.A Cup semi-final victory over Arsenal at Villa Park will build confidence amongst the ranks that could lead a late charge on the domestic front.

United's score draw in the Premiership against Arsenal may have secured that the Premiership title will not return to Old Trafford, but it was an excellent result nevertheless and Solskjaer believes that point against the title favourites and the Cup win on Saturday will work as a springboard for Sir Alex Ferguson's side to put together a run of league victories before the season finishes with the Cup final against Millwall in May.

"You can't pick your confidence out of a refrigerator," said the Norwegian international.

"So those two games against Arsenal will mean a lot to us. The confidence can kick in now.

"What does the Villa Park win mean? That means the season for us. We know we are too far behind now in the league but we now have a trophy to play for at the Millennium Stadium.

"I think it is a fantastic achievement because we have done well against Arsenal."

We currently trail Arsenal by 12 points in the Premiership, and with 8 games left the chances of a ninth Premiership crown look very slim. Chelsea's recent resurgence in the Premiership, mixed with their incredible European Cup triumph over Arsenal, means that Claudio Ranieri's side still believe they can steal the league crown from under the noses of their London rivals, so a third place finish looks very likely for ourselves. However, Solskjaer has made it clear that he and his team-mates do not plan to let the league season peter out with one eye on the Cup final.

"Since we drew Arsenal I think we were all looking forward to the games against them and prove that we are a good team." added the 31-year-old.

"The league championship has surely gone now, we are too far behind, but we won't lie down and there is still plenty to play for."

Kristiansund-born Solskjaer went on to praise the Red Army for the amazing atmosphere created at last Saturday's semi-final, and re-illiterate how much the win meant to the entire squad. He stated a very interesting fact regarding which section of supporters showed more passion throughout. Could you hear the Holte End sing?!

"A lot has been said and written about our defence but that was the answer," Ole added.

"The atmosphere was just brilliant, our fans were fantastic. You could notice the difference between the two ends and that helped us. The supporters never let us down and the final is great for them as well."

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