Ole Gunnar Solskjaer Insists Cup Semi-Finals Are 'Not Far Enough' for Man Utd

Manchester United booked their place in the semi-final of the Carabao Cup thanks to a 2-0 win over Everton at Goodison Park on Wednesday.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side were made to work hard for their victory and had to wait until the 88th minute for their breakthrough. Edinson Cavani fired his side ahead, before a 96th-minute strike from Anthony Martial put the tie to bed.

Here's what the boss had to say after the game.

On Needing to Win Trophies

This is the fourth semi-final of Solskjaer's reign at Old Trafford, and if he wants to reach his first final, he will have to go through Pep Guardiola's Manchester City, who came out on top when the two sides met at the same stage last year.

“We’ve had three semi-finals the last year, of course, and it’s a step not far enough,” said Solskjaer (via The Telegraph). “This year again, as last year, we play them in the semi-finals so let’s see how we fare.

On Claims of a Slow Start at United From Cavani

“I don’t think he’s had a slow start, he’s done well. He’s been injured, come late, I’m pleased with his influence in the dressing room, his habits, his attitude. You can see how well he looks after himself. He’s scored some very important goals, he gives us experience, he gives us a lot.

“He’s going to be here and be better and better. He was out for seven months but we’ve been patient with him and he’s made a big impact.”

On Cavani's Clash With Mina

Cavani got caught up with Everton defender Yerry Mina andappeared to grab him by the throat and push him to the ground, but the incident controversially went unpunished.

“It was two South Americans who have had a few battles before, not long ago," he added (via the club's official website). "I think they [Cavani and Mina] met in the Copa America qualification. But no, this was a proper game of football, with fans, some tackles, with some yellow cards, chances at both ends, so I enjoyed it.”

On United's Fast Start

“It was a very good start. In the first 20, 25 minutes I thought we were excellent, we should have been one, two or three up, but Robin Olsen made a few good saves and kept them in the game.

"Then they had a good spell, just before half-time, but in the second half, I thought we dominated. I can’t remember Dean [Henderson] having a touch on the ball really. We almost did an Everton on them, we were in the box, we had corners, we had set plays, crosses and chances.

"I’m a bit disappointed we didn’t go one or two goals up, but it was an excellent performance in the second half as well.”

On the Importance of Winning

“Well, when you win games it doesn’t matter how you do it and you know you’ll have energy anyway. We could play tomorrow, now probably.

"We’ve won, we’ve gone through, so those changes [to the team] probably don’t matter. A result is the most important thing and we’ve gone through. The players know we trust them. We have a big squad and everyone has to step up at different times in the season.

"It’s a big game for players who haven’t played for a while, Axel [Tuanzebe] for example and Eric [Bailly], they’ve not played for a while. They did really well!“

On the Upcoming Semi-Final

”It's the worst game to lose, probably, a semi-final. At least when you get to a final, you get that feeling, the build-up, so we've got to do everything we can to get to the semi-final in a good state. Of course we've got many league games before then.“

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