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      AC Milan freeze contract talks with Chelsea and Man Utd transfer target Donnarumma after Ultras confront him in training

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      AC MILAN have paused contract talks with Gianluigi Donnarumma after a group of ultras confronted the star goalkeeper at the club’s training ground.Donnarumma’s deal with Milan runs out in June and reports suggest that Premier League giants Manchester United as well as Chelsea have been keeping tabs on the 22-year-old.
      AC Milan star goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma has been linked with a move to Manchester United and ChelseaCredit: PA
      There have also been rumours claiming that the Italy international was holding talks with Juventus over a potential Serie A switch in the summer.
      As a result, tensions rose on Saturday when a group of hard-line supporters went to the club’s Milanello complex to address the situation directly with the Italy star, according to ANSA
      The fans reportedly ordered Donnarumma not to play against Juventus on Sunday in Turin unless he puts pen to paper on a new contract with the Rossoneri.
      After the incident, Milan legend and technical director Paolo Maldini said the club has paused contract renewal talks with the young shot-stopper until the end of the season.
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      Maldini told ANSA: “It’s important to firmly reiterate that no one outside of AC Milan can decide who plays and who renews their contract.
      “Certain choices are up to the coach, regarding the football pitch, and up to the club, regarding contractual matters.”
      Maldini added that Milan’s decision to halt contract doesn’t only apply for Donnarumma.
      Hakan Calhanoglu’s deal also comes up in June and the attacking midfielder has yet to agree to new terms.
      Maldini added: “From this moment every single renewal negotiation is frozen until the end of the season, to allow the team to focus solely on the league.
      “In the meantime, we will continue to protect our players as we have always done.”

      Donnarumma recently put talks with Milan and Juventus on hold as he wants to play in the Champions League next season, according to a recent report by Sky Sport Italia.
      Juve and the Rossoneri are not certain to feature in next season’s competition as they are still battling for a top-four finish in Serie A.
      United, on the other hand, are highly likely to finish second in the Premier League but are currently spoilt for choice in goal with David de Gea and Dean Henderson in the squad.
      Chelsea are fourth in the Premier League and playing in the Champions League semi-finals.
      But Blues manager Thomas Tuchel seems to have full faith in Edouard Mendy between the sticks.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      In demand Gianluigi Donnarumma is match ready as he saves every goal in training More

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      Man Utd players leave Lowry with police escort after violent anti-Glazer fan protests saw Liverpool game axed

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      MANCHESTER UNITED’S players and staff required a police escort as they were finally left the team hotel after an afternoon of unprecedented fan protests.Their Premier League clash against arch-rivals Liverpool was POSTPONED with police and both clubs having security concerns.
      The players take their luggage onto the team coachCredit: PA
      Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and assistant Michael Carrick board the busCredit: PA
      United were given a police escort to leave the Lowry Hotel at 7.15pmCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
      Neither set of players reached the stadium with demonstrations starting at 1pm, three-and-a-half hours before kick-off.
      A number of supporters also turned up at the luxurious Lowry Hotel, where Manchester United stars stay before big games.
      Fans chanted and lit flares next to the team bus as it waited for the squad.
      Players were seen peering from the windows as the game was at first delayed, and then called off.
      And boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and his stars finally left and boarded their team coaches at around 7.15pm.
      Solskjaer, assistant Michael Carrick, club captain Harry Maguire and the rest of the squad were ushered from the hotel to their transport, which was then given a police escort out of the hotel.
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      Police keep guard as United’s stars leave the hotelCredit: Reuters
      The players seemed relaxed enough as they left the LowryCredit: Reuters
      It was a day wasted for United captain Harry MaguireCredit: PA
      It came after hundreds of United fans broke into Old Trafford and stormed the pitch to protest against the club’s owners, the Glazer family.
      Thousands also gathered outside the famous old stadium, with flares and bottles thrown during the protest.
      And one police officer was hospitalised after “being attacked with a bottle and sustaining a significant slash wound to his face”.
      Protestors also got into the tunnel and dressing rooms as police and stewards struggled to regain control.
      A United statement read: “Following discussion between the Police, The Premier League, Trafford Council and the clubs, our match against Liverpool has been postponed due to safety and security considerations around the protest today.
      “Discussions will now take place with the Premier League on a revised date for the fixture.

      “Our fans are passionate about Manchester United, and we completely acknowledge the right to free expression and peaceful protest.
      “However, we regret the disruption to the team and actions which put other fans, staff, and the police in danger.
      “We thank the police for their support and will assist them in any subsequent investigations.”
      Manchester United fans blocked the squad from leaving the Lowry Hotel
      Angry fans blocked the Lowry Hotel entrance ahead of United’s match
      Hundreds of Manchester United fans stormed the Old Trafford pitch
      Manchester United fans stormed Old Trafford to vent their fury at the Glazers
      A fan grabs a corner flag from the Old Trafford pitch
      Police had to deal with flares inside the stadium as fans got in
      Supporters easily broke into Old Trafford before the Liverpool game
      Greater Manchester Police condemned the violence as they confirmed injuries to officers.
      A police statement read: “Flares were let off and bottles thrown at officers.
      “Protestors outside Old Trafford became especially aggressive and antagonistic towards police before a group of about 100 forced entry to the ground with some United staff having to lock themselves in rooms.
      “Those in the stadium were evicted by officers but outside on the forecourt hostility grew with bottles and barriers being thrown at officers and horses.
      “Two officers have been injured with one officer being attacked with a bottle and sustaining a significant slash wound to his face, requiring emergency hospital treatment.
      “With the situation increasing in hostility, additional officers had to be deployed and officers had to be drawn in from neighbouring forces to assist Greater Manchester officers.
      “Following discussion with The Premier League, Trafford Council and the clubs, a joint decision was made to postpone the match for safety reasons.”
      An estimated 10,000 fans gathered en masse outside the Theatre of Dreams in a protest against the club’s American owners, with frustrations coming to a head after their failed plot to join the European Super League.
      The demonstration had been planned days in advance, with boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer pleading for it to be peaceful.
      Police had their work cut out to quell the trouble outside Old Trafford
      Baton-wielding police were ready to crack down on the trouble
      Things started to get ugly at Old Trafford
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      Angry Man Utd fans break into Old Trafford and storm pitch in protest against Glazers More

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      Fuming Man Utd fans protesting against hated owners Glazers BLOCK players from leaving Lowry Hotel for Liverpool clash

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans blocked the squad from leaving the Lowry Hotel in protest against the club ownership on Sunday.The players and staff were staying in their usual Manchester base a couple miles from Old Trafford ahead of facing Liverpool at 4.30pm.
      Angry fans blocked the Lowry Hotel entrance ahead of Manchester United’s matchCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
      Fans spilled onto the pitch during a protest outside Old TraffordCredit: Reuters
      But a planned protest against the Red Devils’ owners, the Glazers, led to a stand-off with police at the entrance to the hotel just hours before the game.
      Supporters chanted and lit flares next to the team bus as it waited for the squad.
      And a demonstration featuring a large number of fans outside Old Trafford led to hundreds rushing onto the pitch.
      Footage emerged online of fans chanting towards the Sky Sports television studio and cameras set up in the main stand.
      One clip even showed a flare being hurled in the direction of the gantry, while protestors were also seen carrying the United corner flags.
      Authorities managed to usher the crowds off the pitch but amid the chaos the match has been pushed back, but no revised kick-off time has been confirmed.
      Sky Sports’ pitch side reporter Geoff Shreeves revealed players were yet to come out of their hotel rooms due to safety concerns.
      Fans had turned out at both the Lowry and the stadium with flags and banners protesting the club ownership.
      Fans broke through security to protest inside Old TraffordCredit: Reuters
      One protestor commandeered the corner flag as the pitch invasion went onCredit: Reuters
      Fans gathered en masse to show their anger at the Glazer family on SundayCredit: PA
      A police presence was also in situ at the planned demonstrationCredit: AFP
      Recent weeks have also seen protests outside Arsenal and Chelsea’s stadiums against club owners and the European Super League.
      And a group of United supporters entered the club’s training ground last month to stage a protest.
      A billboard attached to Hotel Football, the establishment co-owned by Class of 92 legends such Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs, also called for change.
      It displayed a quote from ex-defender and pundit Neville as the protest began, which read: “We have got to come together now… We have got to stop this, it is absolutely critical that we do.”
      It is not thought that the Glazers were present in Manchester for Sunday’s game.
      Meanwhile, Liverpool’s squad stayed elsewhere and were pictured taking a morning stroll ahead of the game.

      A large protest took place at the home of the Red DevilsCredit: PA

      The protests come after years of discontent with the Glazers, magnified by the European Super League debacle.
      United were among six English teams to sign up to the doomed breakaway plot, which sought to supersede the Champions League.
      The Glazers have also faced large-scale criticism for unloading debt onto the club and failing to win trophies.
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side sit second in the table ahead of the derby having last won the Premier League in 2013.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Man Utd vs Liverpool – Watch LIVE, channel info and kick-off time More

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      Solskjaer will ensure Man Utd stars Cavani and Pogba are enjoying their football to boost contract talks

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      FOR Ole Gunnar Solskjaer the equation is simple — a smile on the face of his dynamic duo over the next few weeks means a beaming grin on his own for months.With an added bonus of convincing Manchester United’s third musketeer that the Theatre of Dreams is indeed the place to turn them into reality.
      Edinson Cavani and Paul Pogba combined to thrash Roma in midweekCredit: AP
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is desperate to keep the pair amid transfer speculationCredit: Getty
      Solskjaer himself has no doubts about that, and United are edging towards being genuine title challengers for the first time since Sir Alex Ferguson left.
      They have a four-point cushion in second place and on Thursday put one foot in the Europa League final with a 6-2 first-leg thrashing of Roma.
      Ironically, the key figures in that semi-final masterclass were Paul Pogba and two-goal duo Edinson Cavani and Bruno Fernandes.
      For the future of the first two remains up in the air… and convincing both to stay will stop Fernandes getting itchy feet as well.
      Solskjaer, whose side face Liverpool today, knows the best chance of a happy camp is with a flying finish, even if Uruguay striker Cavani is hinting at a return to South America.
      Yet for Pogba in particular, it is vital to show him United is smiles ahead of the rest, with just a year on his deal.
      Solskjaer said: “Edi and Paul are winners but are also human beings. So it’s important they enjoy playing for this team.
      “If we can play like we did against Roma, if we go again against Liverpool and they can feel our progress, our chances are bigger to keep them.

      “I have always said with Paul I enjoy managing him, I enjoy coaching him, I enjoy talking to him and I also enjoy challenging him.
      “You can see he’s enjoying himself here, he has a smile on his face.”
      While the three big guns have shone, just as crucial has been the form of Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof at the heart of the defence.
      They have not lost in the Prem for six months when in tandem and conceded five in nine league games, as United aim to go a season unbeaten away from home.
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      Yet boss Solskjaer said: “Victor and Harry have been very reliable.
      “But if there are players who come in and challenge them or take their place, that’s great.
      “We sign players to challenge the ones we have already and if you don’t step up, players will take your place.
      “That fear of losing your position has to be there. I felt that when the gaffer signed new strikers, I had to step up.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Dean Henderson reveals what Paul Pogba is like in Man Utd dressing room and how he helped Man Utd goalkeeper improve More

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      Man Utd 6 Roma 2: Cavani masterclass sees Solskjaer’s side with one foot in Europa League final as Roma collapse

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans may never get the chance to thank Edinson Cavani, but they will not forget him.How fitting it would be if his last act in the famous red shirt would be to have the Europa League trophy in his hands, a winner yet again.
      Edinson Cavani was simply superb in a stunning 6-2 victory over RomaCredit: AP
      Two goals, two assists and a penalty won was his contribution as United came back from 2-1 down to win this Europa League semi-final first leg tie 6-2.
      No wonder manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is desperate for the 34-year-old legend of Napoli and Paris Saint-Germain to extend his stay by another season.
      Unfortunately he wants a return to South America, but before that he wants a trophy for Manchester United – and with this win they are all but in the final.
      The hope for maybe 2,000 United fans is that they can be there too and the chance to sing Cavani’s name may come.
      For Solskjaer his semi-final hoodoo as boss looks to be over having lost his previous four over this season and last.
      That first trophy he dreams of is in sight now too and he has the players to finish the job.
      Bruno Fernandes was on the mark again with two goals of his own and two assists, while Paul Pogba, excellent on the night despite conceding a penalty, headed home number five before Mason Greenwood rounded things of with the sixth.
      What a night it was as this United vintage tried to match that of 2006 who beat Roma 7-1 here in the Champions League quarter-finals.
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      Bruno Fernandes scored with a sublime chip in to put United 1-0 upCredit: Getty
      Lorenzo Pellegrini equalised from the penalty spot after Paul Pogba handballed in the areaCredit: AP
      Edin Dzeko scored yet again at Old Trafford for 2-1Credit: Reuters

      United were in control of that game from the start, but not so this as they actually trailed 2-1 at the break.
      It was a cracking first-half full of action and incident. Three goals scored and AS Roma forced into three substitutions due to injury, the first after just three minutes, including their goalkeeper.
      Both Pogba and Cavani had been rested until the late stages of the goalless draw away to Leeds to keep them fresh for this game and they would combine to calve open Roma up for Fernandes to score the opener.
      Luke Shaw was up supporting the attack as usual and when he slipped the ball to Pogba the French World Cup winner executed a superb turn that left three Roma players in his wake.
      Cavani pinged home the equaliser for United early in the second halfCredit: EPA
      The Uruguayan was celebrating again when he netted his secondCredit: EPA
      He found Cavani, whose touch just inside the area was perfect for Fernandes to latch onto and lift the ball over the advancing goalkeeper.
      Advantage United but for only four minutes as Pogba undid his good work by handing the opposition a penalty.
      Rick Karsdorp charged to the byline to get a cross in and Pogba slid in to block it, but his arm was high and the ball hit his hand.
      David De Gea guessed the right way but Lorenzo Pellegrini’s spot-kick had too much power.
      Mark Halsey’s viewPAUL POGBA can have no complaints after his first-half handball gifted Roma a penalty at Old Trafford.
      The Manchester United midfielder’s arm was in an unnatural position when he blocked Rick Karsdorp’s cross.
      Yes, Pogba was sliding in to stop the cross but the Frenchman made himself bigger with his arm in the air and Spanish referee Carlos del Cerro Grande correctly pointed to the spot.
      VAR would have checked Pogba’s handball but it was not a clear and obvious error by the match official so the decision stood.
      It was unnecessary for Pogba to slide into the challenge with his arm that high and his action saw Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side pegged back at 1-1.
      Pogba’s handball would have been given in any competition in the world and had it happened in the Roma box then United would have been screaming for a penalty.

      It was cool as you like as Fernandes made it 4-2 from the penalty spotCredit: Rex
      Fernandes decided he wanted to equal Cavani’s two goal haulCredit: AP
      Shaken, but stirred back into action Pogba tried to make amends with a thumping long range that Pau Lopez saved at full stretch.
      He landed on his shoulder, however, and looked to have dislocated it so had to be switched for Antonio Mirante.
      Could United take advantage? Eh, well not immediately as Roma would take the lead through Edin Dzeko, poking the ball home from close range after a slick move from the visitors.
      He likes it here. It was in October 2011 that he struck twice in that famous 6-1 win for Manchester City and he celebrated derby glory once more here with another brace in a 3-0 win in 2014.
      Pogba rose highest to put United firmly in the driving seat at 5-2Credit: Getty
      Pogba thoroughly deserved his goal after an industrious performanceCredit: EPA
      United have a habit of playing games of two halves, the second invariably better than the first and so it proved again as they first drew level three minutes after the break.
      Pogba found Cavani who exchanged passed with Fernandes before finishing superbly with a first time side-footed effort into the top right-hand corner.
      He should have given them the lead five minutes later when Shaw teed him up only to sky a shot from ten yards.
      But the top strikers just go again, and he did, and he scored again.
      Mason Greenwood rounded off the scoring with United’s sixthCredit: AP
      Aaron Wan Bissaka’s 64th-minute cross shot was spilled by the goalkeeper and Cavani’s poachers instincts had him in the right place at the right time to scoop home the loose ball.
      He was not done, winning a penalty five minutes later after Smalling felled him near the byline.
      Fernandes tucked the spot kick away and on 75 minutes provided the cross from Luke Shaw’s short corner for Pogba to head home and make it five.
      Mason Greenwood came on to add number six latching onto a great ball from Cavani with the outside of his boot to fire home.
      Book the plane to Gdansk, United are on their way.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Man Utd star Bruno Farnandes enjoys a bottle of milk after leaving the pitch More

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      Andre Silva ‘wants LaLiga transfer over Man Utd move’ with Real Madrid to offer Jovic plus cash to Eintracht Frankfurt

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      REAL MADRID could be about to move ahead of Manchester United in the race for Andre Silva.Reports in Germany indicate the LaLiga giants are willing to allow Luka Jovic to sign for Eintracht Frankfurt permanently in a player-plus-cash deal.
      Andre Silva is reportedly attracting the interest of Real MadridCredit: AFP
      Luka Jovic could make his Eintracht Frankfurt loan permanent as part of the dealCredit: EPA
      Silva, 25, has smashed 26 goals for the Bundesliga club this season after signing from AC Milan.
      Long tipped to become one of Europe’s top forwards, he has earned the attention of several prospective buyers.
      United are said to be among them along with Borussia Dortmund, who could become particularly keen if Erling Haaland leaves.
      SunSport revealed in February that the Red Devils are pondering a £30m offer if Edinson Cavani leaves for free.
      But Madrid have entered the race with a unique offer, according to Bild, and are the preferred destination for Silva.
      Serbian striker Jovic, 23, made his name with Eintracht before a £52m move to Real in 2019.

      After a poor season which saw him net just two goals, the player was loaned back to Frankfurt and could remain with the club as part of this deal.
      It is said Madrid are willing to pay around £17m plus Jovic to land Silva’s signature.
      The transfer may require the Serb to take a large pay cut from his rumoured £170,000-a-week wage.
      And Eintracht may yet seek a bigger fee for Silva if the side, currently fourth in the table, qualify for the Champions League.
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      It has been mooted that the Portugal international is available through a release clause for just £26m, something the player’s camp has denied.
      Agent Hendrik Schauerte told Bild last week: “Of course, at the current time of the season, the speculation will not decrease, we are not guided by that.
      “Andre is totally focused and wants to secure the Champions League places with Eintracht.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
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      Chris Eagles compares Man Utd journey to David Beckham’s and was one of Sir Alex Ferguson three favourite youth stars

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      CHRIS EAGLES has likened his time as a Manchester United prodigy to that of David Beckham.Signed from Watford in 2000, the midfielder would earn several comparisons to the England legend as he emerged at Old Trafford.
      Chris Eagles has opened up on his time at Manchester United as a teenagerCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      David Beckham also moved to the United academy from his home in the southCredit: PA:Press Association
      Like Beckham, Eagles was plucked from well outside United’s catchment area and the Hertfordshire-born player recalled how he made the move.
      The 35-year-old told Ladbrokes: “I went up there for a game and just fell in love with the club.
      “I moved into digs at 14 and at first I was obviously excited because it was like a holiday to me. I loved Manchester, I love northerners.
      “School was difficult because I was a southerner, but training-wise we used to train on Tuesdays and Thursdays and play on Saturdays.
      “My youth team was frightening; we didn’t lose. In the old days we had myself, Phil Bardsley, Luke Steele, Kieran Richardson, Tom Heaton, Paul McShane, Gerard Pique, Giuseppe Rossi.
      “School helped me a lot; I got much better results because I was away from home and my friends which meant I just concentrated on getting good results.
      “Man United made sure we worked hard and got good grades. The only time I’d have off to come home was in school holidays, but it would never be for a long time.
      “In digs I started off living with a family on my own – I still see them now actually, four times a week, they look after my kids!
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      Sir Alex Ferguson had a lot of involvement with me as a kid because he knew I’d moved away from home. Chris Eagles
      “Then I was with Fraizer Campbell who stayed for long weekends because he was only from Huddersfield. But I was there more or less on my own.
      “Sir Alex Ferguson had a lot of involvement with me as a kid because he knew I’d moved away from home.
      “I wasn’t too dissimilar to David Beckham in that respect; we’d both moved from London to Manchester as youngsters.”
      Red Devils icon Ferguson gave Eagles his debut in 2003 but he failed to make the cut and left for Burnley after several loan spells.
      But the former prodigy knew that Fergie, 79, held him in high regard as one of his top young stars despite a telling-off for underage driving.
      He continued: “Sir Alex had his certain players like me, Darren Fletcher and Kieran Richardson who he had soft spots for. If I was ever trouble he’d tell me off, though.
      Eagles spoke highly of Sir Alex Ferguson’s effort with the young playersCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      “I drove a car somewhere when I was 15 and Sir Alex found out about it and called me in his office. I was petrified.
      “It’s the worst experience ever because you don’t know what he’s going to do. I can remember standing outside of his office, sweating, going red.
      “He used to have a folder where he used to keep his notes. It was a hard-back. Every time he walked past me he used to just slap me on the head with it – all in good humour obviously.
      “He was just a great manager, a great guy, and that’s how he got his respect.”
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      Roma fans line streets to send off team for Man Utd after pinning up ‘disrespectful’ quote from Solskjaer at training

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      OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER has denied being disrespectful to Roma when Manchester United booked their date in the Europa League semi-finals.Having got past Granada in the last eight the United boss was asked about facing the Serie A side next.
      Roma fans lined the streets to send off their heroes to ManchesterCredit: Twitter / @ASRomaEN
      The Giallorossi are out to win their first-ever Europa LeagueCredit: Twitter / @ASRomaEN
      He said he ‘didn’t know them and hadn’t seen them play’, a quote that has been pinned up by Roma’s ultras around the club’s training ground beneath a picture of Solskjaer to wind up their players.
      But Solskjaer said: “Of course, that was straight after the game and with all the games we’ve had I was just relieved we’d gone through.
      “But we have analysed them down to the ground since we drew them. We are ready for them.
      “It was not meant as any disrespect, I think everyone knows that. I’ve got loads of respect for them.”
      Indeed Solskjaer says that two of his most coveted keepsakes from his career came from swapping shirts with Roma legends Francesco Totti and Daniele De Rossi.
      He said: “It’s a fantastic club with a great history.
      “I’ve actually got two prized possessions back home, a Totti shirt and a De Rossi shirt that I’ve swapped with them and they’re actually signed, so I know about the history, I know about the quality.”
      The Roma squad left for Manchester on Wednesday and thousands of fans turned up to provide a huge send-off.
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      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has insisted he did not mean to offend the ItaliansCredit: EPA
      A number of players came out to applaud the Lupi faithful as they chanted and waved banners, before hopping in the bus for the airport.
      The quality of the Europa League has obviously come into sharp focus this past fortnight after United’s owners tried to break away from it and the Champions League to be part of a European Super League.
      Solskjaer denies that failed bid will in any way devalue United’s achievement this season if they do go on to win the trophy – which they last lifted under Jose Mourinho in 2017.
      He said: “We have had a great night in this tournament before at the club and we know how much it means for a team and the whole club.
      “Our focus now is to get to the final and make sure that the end of the season can finish with a celebration.
      “As soon as we went out of the Champions League, our eyes and focus was on getting to this final.
      Roma fans gathered in their thousands on WednesdayCredit: Twitter / @ASRomaEN
      A number of players applauded their fans before hopping on the team busCredit: Twitter / @ASRomaEN

      “I’ve noticed with the players that these games have been very important for them and us.
      “When you’ve got Real Sociedad and Granada, two Spanish LaLiga teams, good teams, when you’ve got AC Milan with their history and Roma with their history, we feel we’ve been in a proper competition.
      “Now we’re one step away from the big one. It will be a dream come true the day I lift a trophy for this club as manager.
      “That’s what we’re building for. I know how much that can mean for a group moving forward.”
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