Solskjaer’s side will host Manchester City at Old Trafford to decide who will go through to the final of the EFL Cup, which is scheduled to take place in April.
Manchester United lost to Pep Guardiola’s side in the EFL Cup semi-final last season over two legs, but this time around it is a one-legged affair set to take place at Old Trafford.
Solskjaer insisted that the EFL Cup is important, especially as his side have a chance to go through to the final and lift the trophy at Wembley.
The Manchester United manager highlighted the progress his side have made in the last year, but insisted that winning a trophy for his side would produce the hunger to want to add more accolades in the future.
Asked about the importance of the EFL Cup, Solskjaer said in a press conference: “It’s always a good question – how important is it and then I can say very.
“The next game is always important, the semi-final is a chance to get to a final, next round and for this team it would be a very, very big step, getting their hands on a trophy.
“[We have] developed a lot in last 12 months, since the last semi-final, not just learning to win semis, we’ve earned the right to go all the way with performances, confident with form, so no excuses.
“Of course, you play football to win trophies, to get your hands on a trophy even though when you win you move on to the next one, but it gives you hunger to win more.
“The squad is focused, ready to give it a go and prepared well for this game.”
Manchester City have won four of the last five EFL Cups with only Manchester United halting their streak in 2017.
