Daily Star
Manchester United booked their place in the Europa League style in convincing fashion as Roma failed to provide the thrilling comeback they needed to upset the applecart.
When Edinson Cavani found the back of the net just five minutes before half-time, it looked like the tie was dead and buried.
But a quick fire double from Roma around the hour mark injected some much needed excitement, though the Serie A side were still chasing a miracle to turn the game on its head.
But Cavani’s second did manage to kill off any real hopes of a revival from the hosts, even in spite of Nicola Zalewski’s debut strike, as the aggregate score finished an incredible 8-5.
So as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer begins the preparations for the final in Gdansk later this month, here are three things he got right but one he didn’t at the Stadio Olimpico.
Letting Cavani loose
Edinson Cavani bagged his sixth goal in as many games in the first half, before doubling his tally to put the game beyond doubt.
But in truth it could have been several more as the Uruguayan’s movement wreaked absolute havoc for the Roma defence, the killer finish surprisingly the only thing Cavani was lacking.
Solskjaer must get this man another year on his contract – a natural goalscoring striker is what the club have been crying out for for far too long.
Risking Bruno to get the job done
Plenty of eyebrows were raised when Bruno Fernandes’ name was on the team sheet, given United’s four goal advantage.
But he proved just how important he is to the heartbeat of the United side with several deft touches to put the Red Devils on the attack, one of which led to Fred finding Cavani to score.
Roma put up a spirited fight too as the game wore on, but when Fernandes found Cavani with a superb ball, the risk had well and truly paid off.
De Gea provides summer nightmare
Connect with us on our socials: