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Cologne, Monday

Manchester United have little time to dwell on a third semi-final defeat of a 13-month season after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admitted they let Sevilla “off the hook” to miss out on Friday’s Europa League final.

Solskjaer was desperate for a trophy, United’s first since 2017, as tangible reward for the improvement the Red Devils have made in 2020 and to cement his status as the man to lead the club forward.

A 2-1 defeat in the heat of Cologne on Sunday night was just United’s second in 25 games, a run which has at least ensured a return to the Champions League next season.

The much-needed income that will bring, even for a commercial behemoth like United, is especially welcome given the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic and will help as Solskjaer aims to build a squad capable of taking the Premier League title fight to Liverpool and Manchester City next season.

United’s progress and problems were on show in equal measure in their 59th game of the season.

Despite the energy-sapping conditions, a long season and the need for a goal, Solskjaer did not make his first change until three minutes from time.

The Norwegian admitted afterwards United “need to strengthen the squad depth” ahead of what will be an unprecedented season with four competitions plus internationals crammed into an eight-month schedule.

United will be back in pre-season training in two weeks and could begin their Premier League campaign in less than a month.

“I cannot say when or if transfers are going to be done, but we are looking at it,” added Solskjaer.

Initial talks over the signing of Jadon Sancho have stalled with Borussia Dortmund insisting the England international will remain in Germany next season after United failed to match their reported asking price of 120 million euros.

Lindelof’s error highlighted the need for a more reliable centre-back partner for Harry Maguire, while Solskjaer seems to have little faith in Dan James, Juan Mata or Odion Ighalo to deputise for Rashford, Martial or wonder kid Mason Greenwood – AFP