Football

'Solskjaer is absolutely determined to win his first trophy with Manchester United': Andy Mitten's post-match reaction from Rome

Premier League club reach the Europa League final with an 8-5 aggregate win over AS Roma

Andy Mitten
Andy Mitten
Barcelona and Manchester

May 07, 2021

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Manchester United booked their place in the Europa League final on Thursday night despite a 3-2 defeat to AS Roma at the Stadio Olimipico.

Roma game themselves a mountain to climb following the 6-2 loss in the first leg last week at Old Trafford, and while United ultimately held a comfortable advantage, they still needed to rely on the brilliance of David de Gea, and the clinical finishing of Edinson Cavani, to avoid a potential catastrophe.

Andy Mitten was in the Italian capital to witness the game and has provided his analysis in the video clip above, as United look forward to the final in Gdansk and Roma look ahead to a future led by Jose Mourinho.

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Roma v Manchester United player ratings

ROMA PLAYER RATINGS: Antonio Mirante, 7 – A handful of decent stops and his contribution was key as Roma secured victory on the night at least. He had little chance of keeping out either of Cavani’s fine finishes, having earlier produced a brilliant stop to beat away the Uruguayan’s powerful close-range effort. AP
ROMA PLAYER RATINGS: Antonio Mirante, 7 – A handful of decent stops and his contribution was key as Roma secured victory on the night at least. He had little chance of keeping out either of Cavani’s fine finishes, having earlier produced a brilliant stop to beat away the Uruguayan’s powerful close-range effort. AP
Rick Karsdorp, 6 – Had the better of Shaw in the opening exchanges and he will have been mightily frustrated to see De Gea get an unlikely boot on his fizzed low cross from the right after a bright start from the full-back. PA
Rick Karsdorp, 6 – Had the better of Shaw in the opening exchanges and he will have been mightily frustrated to see De Gea get an unlikely boot on his fizzed low cross from the right after a bright start from the full-back. PA
Chris Smalling, 6 - There was plenty of talk about the role the ex-Manchester United man would play prior to kick off, but the defender was sadly forced to limp off on the half-hour mark having picked up an injury. Reuters
Chris Smalling, 6 - There was plenty of talk about the role the ex-Manchester United man would play prior to kick off, but the defender was sadly forced to limp off on the half-hour mark having picked up an injury. Reuters
Roger Ibanez, 6 - Came close to an assist when his flicked header was glanced wide by Mkhitaryan. Given plenty to think about by Cavani who unnecessarily clipped the defender’s heels and escaped his attention to head the visitors back on terms at 2-2. AP
Roger Ibanez, 6 - Came close to an assist when his flicked header was glanced wide by Mkhitaryan. Given plenty to think about by Cavani who unnecessarily clipped the defender’s heels and escaped his attention to head the visitors back on terms at 2-2. AP
Bruno Peres, 6 – Faced a tough task in keeping Greenwood quiet, but he stuck to it well and kept the youngster quiet for the majority of the contest. Replaced by Davide Santon after the break. Getty Images
Bruno Peres, 6 – Faced a tough task in keeping Greenwood quiet, but he stuck to it well and kept the youngster quiet for the majority of the contest. Replaced by Davide Santon after the break. Getty Images
Bryan Cristante, 8 – Gave Roma the faintest glimmer of hope when his stunning strike beat De Gea and nestled into the top corner to put his side ahead on the night, having also been involved in the build-up play that had led to the equaliser minutes earlier. EPA
Bryan Cristante, 8 – Gave Roma the faintest glimmer of hope when his stunning strike beat De Gea and nestled into the top corner to put his side ahead on the night, having also been involved in the build-up play that had led to the equaliser minutes earlier. EPA
Gianluca Mancini, 6 - The midfielder is probably still scratching his head at how he didn’t bundle the ball home from Roma’s first attack of the night. Did the ball strike his arm? Maybe, but no flag came and De Gea made a wonder-save to restrict the hosts to a corner. AP
Gianluca Mancini, 6 - The midfielder is probably still scratching his head at how he didn’t bundle the ball home from Roma’s first attack of the night. Did the ball strike his arm? Maybe, but no flag came and De Gea made a wonder-save to restrict the hosts to a corner. AP
Pedro, 7 - One of several Roma players who will still be trying to workout how he didn’t get on the scoresheet. Plenty of endeavour, but no reward for the veteran midfielder who was twice thwarted by De Gea in a matter of seconds. Getty Images
Pedro, 7 - One of several Roma players who will still be trying to workout how he didn’t get on the scoresheet. Plenty of endeavour, but no reward for the veteran midfielder who was twice thwarted by De Gea in a matter of seconds. Getty Images
Lorenzo Pellegrini, 7 - The captain lashed a vicious strike wide of De Gea’s right-hand post as the hosts made a bright start to the mammoth task ahead of them. Punished Fred for dawdling in possession which allowed Cristante to fire home emphatically. AFP
Lorenzo Pellegrini, 7 - The captain lashed a vicious strike wide of De Gea’s right-hand post as the hosts made a bright start to the mammoth task ahead of them. Punished Fred for dawdling in possession which allowed Cristante to fire home emphatically. AFP
Henrikh Mkhitaryan, 7 - He huffed and puffed, but he just couldn’t grab the goal he so desperately craved. Twice denied by stunning saves from De Gea, although the forward at least played an important part in the Roma equaliser. EPA
Henrikh Mkhitaryan, 7 - He huffed and puffed, but he just couldn’t grab the goal he so desperately craved. Twice denied by stunning saves from De Gea, although the forward at least played an important part in the Roma equaliser. EPA
Edin Dzeko, 7 - The last remaining survivor of the Roma side that stunned Barcelona in 2018, the former Manchester City man grabbed yet another goal against the red side of Manchester with an instinctive headed finish and he would have had a second if not for a breathtaking De Gea save from close range. EPA
Edin Dzeko, 7 - The last remaining survivor of the Roma side that stunned Barcelona in 2018, the former Manchester City man grabbed yet another goal against the red side of Manchester with an instinctive headed finish and he would have had a second if not for a breathtaking De Gea save from close range. EPA
SUBS: Ebrima Darboe, 6 - Replaced the injured Smalling on the half-hour mark. Fed Karsdorp down the right to start a dangerous Roma counter but that was his only contribution of note. AFP
SUBS: Ebrima Darboe, 6 - Replaced the injured Smalling on the half-hour mark. Fed Karsdorp down the right to start a dangerous Roma counter but that was his only contribution of note. AFP
Davide Santon, 6 - The 30-year-old was treated to a 20-minute run out but he didn’t actually have all that much to do with United’s job done as the clock continued to tick down. Getty Images
Davide Santon, 6 - The 30-year-old was treated to a 20-minute run out but he didn’t actually have all that much to do with United’s job done as the clock continued to tick down. Getty Images
Borja Mayoral, NR - The on-loan Real Madrid man replaced Edin Dzeko for the closing stages but had little opportunity to make an impact. EPA
Borja Mayoral, NR - The on-loan Real Madrid man replaced Edin Dzeko for the closing stages but had little opportunity to make an impact. EPA
Nicola Zalewski, NR - Grabbed himself a memorable goal when his first-time effort beat De Gea after striking Telles. AP
Nicola Zalewski, NR - Grabbed himself a memorable goal when his first-time effort beat De Gea after striking Telles. AP
David De Gea 9. Super third minute save from Mancini, who handled it, as Roma started well and kept him busy. Saved again from Roma’s best player Pellegrini after 34. Conceded two in three minutes in the second half as the goal was peppered but could do little about either. Roma’s third was a deflection past him but he remained alert for more saves. Conceding three isn’t good but could have been a real shocker for United if it wasn’t for his first half heroics. AFP
David De Gea 9. Super third minute save from Mancini, who handled it, as Roma started well and kept him busy. Saved again from Roma’s best player Pellegrini after 34. Conceded two in three minutes in the second half as the goal was peppered but could do little about either. Roma’s third was a deflection past him but he remained alert for more saves. Conceding three isn’t good but could have been a real shocker for United if it wasn’t for his first half heroics. AFP
Aaron Wan Bissaka 6. Booked for a heavy 17th minute tackle on Peres that had the few Italians in the vast stadium screaming. Got forward and made first time crosses but brought off at half time. Reuters
Aaron Wan Bissaka 6. Booked for a heavy 17th minute tackle on Peres that had the few Italians in the vast stadium screaming. Got forward and made first time crosses but brought off at half time. Reuters
Harry Maguire 6. Blocked an early cross from Karsdorp which was heading to Dzeko and a probable goal. Stranded for Dzeko’s equaliser and challenge by the Bosnian all night as the usually tight defence around United’s captain crumbled. AFP
Harry Maguire 6. Blocked an early cross from Karsdorp which was heading to Dzeko and a probable goal. Stranded for Dzeko’s equaliser and challenge by the Bosnian all night as the usually tight defence around United’s captain crumbled. AFP
Eric Bailly 6. Charged forward after 24 minutes and, despite Greenwood in space and shouting for it, passed the ball to Chris Smalling. Which would have been fine if Smalling still played for United and not Roma. Does the bizarre and the spectacular within the same minute and for all his qualities, needs to settle. Getty Images
Eric Bailly 6. Charged forward after 24 minutes and, despite Greenwood in space and shouting for it, passed the ball to Chris Smalling. Which would have been fine if Smalling still played for United and not Roma. Does the bizarre and the spectacular within the same minute and for all his qualities, needs to settle. Getty Images
Luke Shaw 6. Not as consistent as usual. Robbed of the ball by Karsdorp after eight minutes – he then set up Dzeko. Taken off at half time. AFP
Luke Shaw 6. Not as consistent as usual. Robbed of the ball by Karsdorp after eight minutes – he then set up Dzeko. Taken off at half time. AFP
Fred 6. Some good, some bad. Key to the opening goal as he ran forward from his half. Booked in 57th minute and lost ball two minutes later which led to Roma’s second. AFP
Fred 6. Some good, some bad. Key to the opening goal as he ran forward from his half. Booked in 57th minute and lost ball two minutes later which led to Roma’s second. AFP
Donny Van de Beek 6. A rare start and chance to shine. Misjudged a chance to win ball and attack on 27. Some nice touches, but – as has happened before – didn’t impact enough on the game. Part of United’s problem was that the front players didn’t press as they were told to and Roma broke their lines easily. Reuters
Donny Van de Beek 6. A rare start and chance to shine. Misjudged a chance to win ball and attack on 27. Some nice touches, but – as has happened before – didn’t impact enough on the game. Part of United’s problem was that the front players didn’t press as they were told to and Roma broke their lines easily. Reuters
Paul Pogba 6. Good and bad in the first half. He’d win the ball – but then lose it, as he did to Pedro who shot over. Stopped Dzeko shooting after yet another attack on 35. Started move for goal in his own half. PA
Paul Pogba 6. Good and bad in the first half. He’d win the ball – but then lose it, as he did to Pedro who shot over. Stopped Dzeko shooting after yet another attack on 35. Started move for goal in his own half. PA
Mason Greenwood 7. Became the youngest Englishman to reach 100 United appearances. Found positions which weren’t always utlised and created a chance which he took a minute after Cavani’s opener. Put a brilliant chance wide after 65 after Roma had scored two in three minutes. AFP
Mason Greenwood 7. Became the youngest Englishman to reach 100 United appearances. Found positions which weren’t always utlised and created a chance which he took a minute after Cavani’s opener. Put a brilliant chance wide after 65 after Roma had scored two in three minutes. AFP
Bruno Fernandes 7. Combined with Cavani for United’s first proper attack after 11 minutes and, like last week, was central to much of United’s attacking play. Lovely flick helped towards the first, beautiful vision to spot Cavani and set the Uruguayan up for United’s second. Getty Images
Bruno Fernandes 7. Combined with Cavani for United’s first proper attack after 11 minutes and, like last week, was central to much of United’s attacking play. Lovely flick helped towards the first, beautiful vision to spot Cavani and set the Uruguayan up for United’s second. Getty Images
Edinson Cavani 9. In space as he lifted the ball over after 19 and cursed himself as it hit the top of the cross bar. Blasted a shot at Mirante after 25 and looked like it wasn’t to be his night. Third time lucky with another blast to give United the lead after 39. As his side wobbled, powerfully headed an equaliser after 68, but then he lost his cool sticking up for teenager Greenwood. He was booked and taken off, his job done. PA
Edinson Cavani 9. In space as he lifted the ball over after 19 and cursed himself as it hit the top of the cross bar. Blasted a shot at Mirante after 25 and looked like it wasn’t to be his night. Third time lucky with another blast to give United the lead after 39. As his side wobbled, powerfully headed an equaliser after 68, but then he lost his cool sticking up for teenager Greenwood. He was booked and taken off, his job done. PA
SUBS: Alex Telles 5. On for Shaw at half time. Ball sailed over his head for Roma’s equaliser. The Brazilian hasn’t done badly when picked this season but struggled to adjust to a game his side were leading and never settled. Getty Images
SUBS: Alex Telles 5. On for Shaw at half time. Ball sailed over his head for Roma’s equaliser. The Brazilian hasn’t done badly when picked this season but struggled to adjust to a game his side were leading and never settled. Getty Images
Brandon Williams 5. On for Wan Bissaka at HT. Like Telles, a very tough 45 minutes where Roma scored three against a United defence which was at sixes and sevens as crosses were not cut out and Roma’s attackers got behind them. Booked after 92. Getty Images
Brandon Williams 5. On for Wan Bissaka at HT. Like Telles, a very tough 45 minutes where Roma scored three against a United defence which was at sixes and sevens as crosses were not cut out and Roma’s attackers got behind them. Booked after 92. Getty Images
Nemanja Matic 6. On for Pogba after 60 to try and bring stability and close the game out as United were rocked. It partially worked. Getty Images
Nemanja Matic 6. On for Pogba after 60 to try and bring stability and close the game out as United were rocked. It partially worked. Getty Images
Marcus Rashford 6. On for Cavani after 73. Played on the left and centrally. Reuters
Marcus Rashford 6. On for Cavani after 73. Played on the left and centrally. Reuters
Juan Mata N/A On for Fernandes after 83. PA
Juan Mata N/A On for Fernandes after 83. PA
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Conflict, drought, famine

Estimates of the number of deaths caused by the famine range from 400,000 to 1 million, according to a document prepared for the UK House of Lords in 2024.
It has been claimed that the policies of the Ethiopian government, which took control after deposing Emperor Haile Selassie in a military-led revolution in 1974, contributed to the scale of the famine.
Dr Miriam Bradley, senior lecturer in humanitarian studies at the University of Manchester, has argued that, by the early 1980s, “several government policies combined to cause, rather than prevent, a famine which lasted from 1983 to 1985. Mengistu’s government imposed Stalinist-model agricultural policies involving forced collectivisation and villagisation [relocation of communities into planned villages].
The West became aware of the catastrophe through a series of BBC News reports by journalist Michael Buerk in October 1984 describing a “biblical famine” and containing graphic images of thousands of people, including children, facing starvation.

Band Aid

Bob Geldof, singer with the Irish rock group The Boomtown Rats, formed Band Aid in response to the horrific images shown in the news broadcasts.
With Midge Ure of the band Ultravox, he wrote the hit charity single Do They Know it’s Christmas in December 1984, featuring a string of high-profile musicians.
Following the single’s success, the idea to stage a rock concert evolved.
Live Aid was a series of simultaneous concerts that took place at Wembley Stadium in London, John F Kennedy Stadium in Philadelphia, the US, and at various other venues across the world.
The combined event was broadcast to an estimated worldwide audience of 1.5 billion.

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