Roma vs Manchester United preview: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's Men Look To Confirm Europa League Final Berth

 

Manchester United thrashed AS Roma 6-2 in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final tie at Old Trafford, but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side must now put the turbulent events of the past week out of their minds and focus on reaching the final.

"You don't have to be a rocket scientist to see we have challenges to be dealt with," he said. "I would be sad if all the good work the players have gone got disrupted. Our focus is on playing well and getting to a final now."

It was only the fourth time Roma have conceded six or more goals in a match in major European competition, with two coming against United following the 7-1 defeat in April 2007.

Since the first leg, Roma have announced Jose Mourinho will replace Paulo Fonseca as their head coach on a three-year deal set to begin at the start of next season.

Mourinho memorably masterminded a 6-1 victory over Solskjaer's team last September so will he impart any advice to his compatriot? Fonseca acknowledges his side have a mountain to climb to reach the final.

"It's not easy to beat Manchester United 4-0, but I've seen many things happen in football. I believe in everything," he said.

United's first game since fan protest

The visitors head into the second leg having had a full week of rest following the postponement of their Premier League encounter with Manchester United at Old Trafford last Sunday as a result of the anti-Glazer demonstration.

Solskjaer reiterated the need for supporters to be listened to, but said protests had to be "civilised". Fan anger at the owners has been stirred up by the European Super League fiasco, with thousands of protestors demanding change.

A number of fans broke into the stadium and invaded the pitch during the protest, while another group made their frustrations clear at the team hotel in the city centre.

"It was a difficult day for us," Solskjaer said. "Of course we wanted to play, we wanted to beat Liverpool for the fans because our job has to be getting good performances, good results on the pitch.

"That's the players' focus, that's my focus but, as I said before the game, we have to listen. We have to hear the fans' voice. It's everyone's right to protest, it has to be in a civilised manner, though. It has to be in a peaceful manner."

The Norwegian added: "Unfortunately, when you break in, when police officers get injured, scarred for life, that's too far. That's one step too far. When it gets out of hand like this, it's a police matter. It's not about showing your opinions anymore."