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Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has said he plans to strengthen his squad ahead of next season after a 2-1 loss to Sevilla in the Europa League semi-final in Cologne on Sunday.
Having fallen twice in the Cup semi-finals already this season, United were looking to do better by reaching the Europa League final on Friday.
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And they seemed to be on track to do just that after Bruno Fernandes converted his 22nd penalty of the season in the ninth minute in the RheinEnergieStadion.
However, goals from Spain winger Suso and former Newcastle United striker Luuk de Jong ensured that five-time Europa League winners Sevilla will face Inter Milan or Shakhtar Donetsk in the final, while guaranteeing United to end the season without a trophy.
“I can’t say when or if the transfers are going to be made, but we are thinking about it,” Solskjaer said. “It’s a quick turnaround [until the start of the new season]. We just need to be 100% sure when we make these deals.
“The players have worked so hard, showed the right mentality, but we have to strengthen the depth of the team, of course. It will be a long season.”
Missed opportunities cost United against Sevilla, whose goalkeeper Bono was in good shape. In United’s quarter-final against FC Copenhagen and their semi-final on Sunday, they managed 46 shots but only managed two goals – both penalties.
“The goalkeeper had a fantastic game,” added Solskjaer. “Of course it’s disappointing not to score. We know we have players who have the quality to score, but that’s the game.”
“When you don’t take your chance, it’s going to be tough.”
Sevilla reached their sixth UEFA Cup / Europa League final – at least twice as many as any other team in the history of the competition – with the win over United taking them to 20 games unbeaten in all competitions.
“They are the best Manchester United in recent years and the team in form in England, so it is only natural that we have to suffer,” said Sevilla boss Julen Lopetegui.
“It was a team effort. If you beat a team like United in the semi-finals, you have to do it as a unit. That’s what we did tonight. I’m really proud of my team. .
“We are very excited for the final, but it will be the most difficult game yet and we have to prepare.”
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