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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says the time has come for his team to end their semi-final hoodoo and take another level step.
The spectacular late win at Goodison gave Manchester United another semi-final showdown with derby rivals Manchester City in the Carabao Cup.
Last season, the Danish manager despaired when his team crashed in three semi-finals, including a painful 3-2 loss to City, after losing the first leg 3-1 at home.
It’s another great test, and Solskjaer said: “A semi-final is sometimes worse than the final because it is the worst possible time to lose a game and get out of the competition.
“It’s Manchester City back in the semi-finals so it will be another great game.
“Last season we didn’t take a step far enough, we had the three semi-finals and we didn’t take that step. This year, let’s see how it goes.
(Image: Pool via REUTERS)
“I think you can see how much we have grown. The longer the games last, you can watch us grow, and that makes a huge difference to us.
“We will face City and keep our feet on the ground and try to improve.
“We are in a good place at the moment, but we are not getting carried away.”
(Image: Pool via REUTERS)
United’s hero was Edinson Cavani, who produced a surprising starter with just one minute left on the clock to finally break Everton’s tough resistance, with Anthony Martial adding stoppage time in second place.
But there were doubts as to whether the Uruguayan international should have still been on the field, after he appeared to pinch Yerry Mina in the throat as he grabbed him and then shoved him to the ground.
Everton coach Carlo Ancelotti admitted that he did not see the incident or discuss it with Mina afterwards, and Solskjaer dismissed it when he said: “There is nothing, two South Americans who have had a few battles before, met in the America’s Cup. qualifiers so no, this was a proper soccer game.
“With fans, tackles, yellow cards and chances at both ends, I enjoyed it.”
Ancelotti’s team fought bravely, but lost some of their attacking power when Richarlison appeared to be knocked out after a challenge from Eric Bailly that the Blues coach described as dangerous.
He appeared to have a concussion, but still tried to get back to the field, before the doctor stopped him.
Ancelotti said: “Of course our doctor was in full control of the situation, he decided to take him out and I totally agreed because he was in full control and looked after the well-being of the player.”
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