Mark Hughes believes Ole Gunnar Solskjaer MUST deliver silverware to highlight Manchester United’s progress under the Norwegian as former Red Devils striker insists Europa League triumph is ‘important’ for United boss
- Mark Hughes says Ole Gunnar Solskjaer must start winning trophies at United
- Man United take on Villarreal in the Europa League final on Wednesday evening
- Solskjaer is yet to win silverware as United boss since taking over in 2018
- Hughes says trophies are important to show the club’s progress under Solskjaer
Mark Hughes believes that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer must deliver trophies to showcase Manchester United‘s progress under the Norwegian, as the Red Devils prepare for their huge Europa League final tonight.
The Red Devils are on the cusp of winning their first piece of silverware since Solskjaer took over from Jose Mourinho in 2018, needing to beat Unai Emery’s Villarreal in Gdansk to win the Europa League.
United have made steady progress under Solskjaer, improving on their third-place finish last season to end this campaign in second, while getting over their semi-final hoodoo to reach the showpiece event in Poland.
Mark Hughes believes it is time for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to deliver trophies at Man United
However, Solskjaer’s former team-mate Hughes – who helped legendary coach Sir Alex Ferguson win his first European trophy for United – believes the 48-year-old must start winning silverware to underline his progress in the hot seat.
‘I think this year, yes. Because there is that progress and that move up the table compared to where they were in previous years,’ he told Sky Sports.
‘It’s important they continue in that vein, going into next year you’d want them to be closer to Manchester City.
United are in Gdansk and stand one win away from winning their first trophy under Solskjaer
The Red Devils have made steady progress, improving on their third place finish last season
‘Chelsea will challenge City again, Liverpool will be better, everyone connected with Liverpool will be disappointed with how they’ve attempted to retain the title but they’ve redeemed themselves in recent weeks.
‘Everybody will look to test Manchester City next year and United will be one of those teams.
‘It’s important for the group, important for Ole (Gunnar Solskjaer) as well, that he is able to get a trophy – I think that’s important for him personally.’
Solskjaer played a part in United’s golden era under Ferguson, winning six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and one Champions League and the Norwegian has been keen to refer back to the club’s trophy-laden dominance to inspire his group of stars.
And former United star Hughes believes Solskjaer needs a trophy to underline his progress
The Welshman helped Sir Alex Ferguson to his first European trophy as Man United manager
‘I think everybody behind the scenes is happy with where the club is at the moment,’ the Welshman added.
‘Ole knows that, he’s got Manchester United written right through him, he understands the demands of the club so this is an opportunity for him to do that.’
Solskjaer, who came off the bench to win the 1999 Champions League final in dramatic fashion against Bayern Munich, has told his stars to be prepared to make an impact in Gdansk.
‘What I learnt was: trust your team, trust your gut instinct,’ said Solskjaer, who famously told a friend in Norway to tune in for the ’99 final because the United striker predicted something big was going to happen.
‘I’ll tell the team and the subs they might have to play a big part for us because it’s happened before. They can be disappointed and angry with me, but be ready when you come on. Whoever starts, enjoy it because you don’t get too many finals in your life.’
