Ole Gunnar Solskjaer insists it will be a “nice reunion” in the UEFA Champions League when Manchester United take on Istanbul Basaksehir later this evening.
The United manager was complimentary of his side’s opponents when posed a question by the media during Tuesday’s press conference.
“They’re a team of players who have been around a bit,” Solskjaer said, as per ManUtd.com. “They’ve got loads of experience with a few of their players, and of course it will be a great reunoon with Rafael [da Silva] — I’ve only got fond memories of him and Fabio. Fantastic boys frtom a fantastic family and they’re people you look forward to seeing because they’re such positive boys.
“There is actually another ex-player of mine there too in Freddie Gulbrandsen who I had at Molde so that will be a nice reunion.”
A lot of mutual friendships gathering tonight – but the job remains to win the game and that must take priority after United suffered another disappointing defeat at the weekend, at home to Arsenal.
United’s form has been much better in Europe and two more wins — against Paris Saint-Germain and RB Leipzig — will see the Reds qualify for the knockout stages of Europe’s prestigious competition.
The onus will be on Solskjaer and his players to win against a lesser side than the two they’ve already put away in the group stages.
Solskjaer added: “They’re a team that has come up the last few seasons and, as I said before, you can see the experience they have and there are some skilful players there.
“We looked at them when we were in the Europa League as we could have played them or FC Copenhagen so we know quite a bit about them.”
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