Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on Preparing for Man City, Jesse Lingard & Harry Maguire's Fitness

​Manchester United are set to take on cross-town rivals Manchester City in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final on Tuesday.

The Reds come into this game on the back of a disappointing 2-0 loss to Arsenal and a thoroughly underwhelming 0-0 draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers, and manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is eager to see his side get back to their best.

Speaking ahead of the game (via ​Manchester Evening News), Solskjaer gave fans an insight on their preparation and some early team news for the match.


 Can You Perform Like the Team Who Beat City in December?

Kyle Walker,Marcus Rashford

​United managed to pick up a 2-1 win over ​City a month ago, but the Red Devils' form has fallen off since then, while City have bounced back to their best once more.

"We’re gonna aim for performances like that, two good days against ​Tottenham and City in a short spell but every game lives its own life, when you get highs like that I’m sure they will look back on it and that’s the Man United we wanna see but we can improve on that one," Solskjaer said.

"They’re back winning games but form goes out the window when we play each other when you go on the local derby adrenaline and atmosphere and on any given day or game can change within a moment a ref’s decision, luck, injury, red card but we know they’re a top team. 

"I admire Pep’s team, they’ve raised the bar so much since he came, standards set are something to aim for."


How Do You Cope With the Hectic Schedule?

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

​Since facing City on 7 December, United have played eight games, and the lack of a winter break is something which many managers have criticised in recent weeks.

"Big games give you energy, give you the urge to go to the next level, above and beyond what you might be capable of in your head, sometimes you surprise yourself," he added.

"There’s no way you can train in between, it’s about mental prep, good treatment with physios and staff and just hopefully remember what we did last time and what we must do better."


What's Going on With Jesse Lingard?

Jesse Lingard

​Jesse Lingard has been tipped to leave the club after a frustrating year with the Red Devils. He recently ​linked up with super agent Mino Raiola, prompting rumours he could want to leave.

"Jesse has had his ups and downs as I’ve spoken about before but against City and Tottenham, two games of examples of how important he can be for us in difficult games, we want him back scoring and making assists. 

"There is no one who runs as much, great trigger in the pressing, lively bubbly character, I don’t think you see as much social media from Jesse as you used to. He's got his head down and working hard and getting back to the Jesse I knew."


Will Harry Maguire Be Fit?

Harry Maguire

Centre-back ​Harry Maguire picked up a knock last time out ​and was initially thought to be doubtful for the game.

"It is a bit early yet. We are going to give him as much time as possible. He was hobbling about yesterday but there are still 36 hours to go do we will just wait with all of them," he told ​MUTV.

"It is not a time to go out on the pitch and do lots of work anyway. We are going to do meetings and recovery work."


Are Anthony Martial & Jesse Lingard Fit?

FBL-ENG-FACUP-ARSENAL-MAN UTD

Both ​Anthony Martial and Jesse Lingard were forced to sit out the ​Wolves game through illness and they are yet to fully recover.​

"Yeah, we hope that everyone is going to be available but we don’t know, because some recover quicker from illnesses than others. So it is the same answer. We have just got to give them as much time as possible and a make a decision on the team in the morning."


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Source : 90min