Ole Gunnar Solskjaer tells Manchester United it’s ‘time to step up’ in Europa League semi-final

United meet Sevilla in the last four in Cologne

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says it is “time to step up” as Manchester United look to overcome Sevilla and reach the Europa League final.

Having required extra time to see off FC Copenhagen 1-0 in Monday’s quarter-final, the Red Devils will return to Stadion Koln on Sunday in search of a place in August 21 finale.

United are looking to make it third time lucky having lost in the semi-final stage of the Carabao Cup and FA Cup, with Solskjaer underlining the importance of grasping this opportunity.

“You know that when you come to a semi-final, you’re playing against big teams,” the Norwegian said. “Good teams with quality. It’s time to step up for big players, big game moments.

“You have to have 100 per cent focus because any little moment can change the game. We’ve learned that it’s very painful to lose a semi-final.”

United have remained in Cologne since Monday’s match and Solskjaer believes they are ready for the threat posed by Sevilla.

“We’ve had a few good days now preparing, both recovering and preparing, training,” Solskjaer said. ”Not very often we have six days between games, so we’re ready.

“We are physically definitely ready. Mentally the boys will be ready because a semi-final everyone would want to take part and join in. I just want them to enjoy it.

“For me as well, looking forward to the semis. We’ve been already twice now in the semi this season. Of course we’re happy with going as far as we have but we’re not satisfied. We want to go one step further.”

United have had an extra day to prepare for this match, with Sevilla overcoming breaking Wolves’ hearts with their late 1-0 win in Duisburg.

Asked what he feels his side need to do to end the in-form Spanish side’s 19-match unbeaten run in all competitions, Solskjaer said with a smile: “Score more goals than them. It’s not as easy as that because it’s a good, very well organised team. Aggressive style of play, pressing.

“They’ve got some very good individuals there, so we have to play our best game. We have to be able to keep the ball when we can, play out of their press.

“We’ve got to be clever, creative and of course we have to step up in the big moments, that the last pass is a finish because these games will be decided so often on either a set piece or a piece of individual brilliance by some players.”