Ole Gunnar Solskjaer puts his unbeaten domestic record to the test tonight when he takes Manchester United to Stamford Bridge for an FA Cup fifth round clash against Chelsea.
The Norwegian has yet to suffer a defeat in 11 English league and cup games since replacing Jose Mourinho a couple of months ago, although he has of course lost to PSG in Europe.
The FA Cup wins have both been two-goal margin triumphs against Reading and Arsenal, but now Solskjaer must find a way to boot out defending champions Chelsea who will be bidding to reach the quarter-finals for the fourth year in a row.
Injuries to Anthony Martial and Jesse Lingard means that Solskjaer is likely to place his trust in serial underperformer Alexis Sanchez who has started both of United’s FA Cup games this term, and even found the back of the net against former club Arsenal last month.
It’s the No.7’s only club goal since October – he has just two goals in his last 19 appearances – but Solskjaer is backing his under-fire star to (eventually) come good, and even used an interesting ketchup analogy in the build-up to tonight’s clash.
“We know there is a very good player there. It’s like the ketchup bottle. When it comes, it comes, and I’m sure he’ll be fine,” said Solskjaer as reported by Sky Sports.
The analogy may not quite be up there with Eric Cantona’s stunning seagull comment back in the day – you know the one – but Solskjaer will be hoping his player can put his struggles behind him and light up London tonight.
“I think he is a very good player. He is very talented but of course there is only so many things you can sit down and talk about and tweak.
“You saw against Fulham, when he gets his chance, he is so sharp in and around the ball with the way he wins it and with his energy.
“If he could just get that goal, I am sure that would release some of his confidence. That is what it is about when you go through periods when you do not perform up to your standard.”
Solskjaer also recalled his own success in the competition.
“Everyone wants to play an FA Cup final. It’s one of my best memories playing at Wembley when we beat Newcastle.
“I knew I wasn’t going to start the Champions League final, so that was my big moment that season.
“It turned out the other way round but the FA Cup final is something we want to go to.”