Premier League English

Solskjaer challenges his boys to go unbeaten for rest of season

United are enjoying the bliss of a 14-match unbeaten run even as they hone their sights on a top-four finish in the Premier League to keep alive their hopes of being in the UEFA Europa League and FA Cup.

While still on track to reach the Europa League last eigh, Solskjaer’s men, now sitting sixth in the Premier League, will take on Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-finals. And the United manager has thrown a gauntlet to his side to go through the rest of the season without being beaten.

“Any Manchester United team should go into any game against any opposition believing they can win that game,” Solskjaer said.

“The short answer [if they can go unbeaten] is yes, but the long answer is that there’s more to it than that. Of course, different things can play a part in this run, but we hope to extend it and want it for as long as possible.

“We’re just going to take one game at a time. We know there’s games every two or three days. We need a squad, everyone needs to play a part and we’re delighted with the way things are going at the moment.”

Still a clear five points behind fourth-placed Chelsea, Old Trafford’s bid for a top-four Premier League finish continues on Tuesday when they visit Brighton and Hove Albion.

United’s overall performance have been boosted by strong seasons from Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford, who each have 14 league goals this campaign, and an improving Mason Greenwood with 5.

Solskjaer is insistently looking for greater depth at Old Trafford, saying: “You need competition for places at Man United.

“If you think you’ve got a divine right to be playing every game and are doing so well that we’re not going to look for players to replace you, you’re in the wrong place.”