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Man United vs AS Roma: Solskjaer out to prove he is no semi-final flop

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer loves a semi-final. He reached three last season but failed to win a single one. Question is, does his team have enough intestinal fortitude to finally end this losing run?

When: Thursday, April 29, 20:00 GMT

How to watch: BT Sport

Follow this game live via our score centre

Best Bets

Man United to win by a margin of two goals at 7/2 (PaddyPower)

Man United to win to nil at 6/4 (SpreadEx)

Bruno Fernandes to score anytime at 23/20 (William Hill)

Have Man United improved since Solskjaer became manager?

You can make a number of interesting comparisons when looking at Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Jose Mourinho's managerial tenures at Manchester United.

Are United playing better football then they did under Jose? Check
Are United closer to winning the title then under Jose? Points-wise, yes. Check
Have United won more silverware then under Jose? I think we all know the answer to that one.
And that's the point. For all of the semi-finals and improved performances, the gathering dust in Man United's trophy cabinet is a sight for sore eyes.

Jose Mourinho led Manchester United to the Europa League in 2017

Solskjaer reached three semi-finals last season and that will need to change if he is to cement his legacy as a managerial great at Old Trafford.

Roma are in poor form and this is the perfect opportunity for Solskjaer to finally book a place in a final. If the Red Devils can't progress, then no one can help them.

Last Three Matches

Man United 3-2 AS Roma (International Champions Cup - July 26, 2014)

Two goals from Wayne Rooney and one from Juan Mata sealed a 3-2 victory for Man United over AS Roma in the International Champions Cup.

United led for the majority of the game and seemed to be in cruise control until two late goals from the Italian side threatened a late comeback.

Miralem Pjanic and Francesco Totti grabbed the two late goals as Roma ran out of time to stun the Red Devils.

Man United 1-0 AS Roma (Champions League - April 9, 2008)
Carlos Tevez was the match winner when Manchester United secured a 1-0 win over Roma in the 2007/08 Champions League quarter-final.
Daniele De Rossi squandered his penalty in the opening 30 minutes as the visitors missed a chance to take the lead.

Roma dominated proceedings, enjoyed more possession, created more shots however, they lacked quality to beat Edwin van der Sar.

AS Roma 0-2 Man United (Champions League - April 1, 2008)

Goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney gave Manchester United a healthy 2-0 lead in the opening leg of this Champions League quarter-final.

The Red Devils put on a clinical display at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, scoring two goals from their four shots on target.

Last seven head-to-head games

Man United wins: 5

Draws: 1

AS Roma: 1

Man United goals: 16

AS Roma goals: 6

Man United in top form

Manchester United are in prime position to take the initiative in this Europa League semi-final.
Solskjaer's men are unbeaten in ten home games and have managed to keep five clean sheets.

Marcus Rashford shows his frustration as Man United found no way through at Elland Road last weekend

What's more, the Red Devils have won five of their last six games in all competitions.
Clearly the Manchester outfit are in good form and they will be looking to translate this into a healthy first leg lead.

Late season collapse for AS Roma

No wins in four.

Down to seventh in Serie A.

Eleven points adrift of the Champions League places.

The reality of the situation is beginning to hit home for AS Roma. The club has only managed two wins from eight games in all competitions and they're falling down the league table.

Can Edin Dzeko lead Roma to a shock win?

The Europa League is Roma's only realistic point of entry into next season's Champions League. However, with the form they're currently in, it would be a major shock if Paulo Fonseca's men manage to pull off a raid at Old Trafford. 

Goalscorer bets

There are two men to watch ahead of this game. Firstly, Bruno Fernandes - the inspirational leader of Manchester United - has been involved in more Europa League goals than anyone else.

The Portuguese international is priced at 23/20 to score anytime this Thursday night.

Bruno Fernandes, Manchester United, celebrating

Bruno Fernandes celebrating for Manchester United

Edin Dzeko is another name to keep an eye on. If Roma are to score, Dzeko will be the man to do it.

The forward is currently priced at 14/5 to score anytime.

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