With Manchester United set to face F.C. Copenhagen in the Europa League Quarter-finals, there is an added incentive for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as he looks to get one over on his old friend Stale Solbakken.
Solskjaer has a long-standing friendship with his counterpart that dates back to their time as colleagues with the Norwegian national team.
The pair also completed their coaching badges together in Copenhagen where they developed a good relationship and still keep in touch today.
Friends for now
Speaking to The Mirror, 52-year old Solbakken was full of praise for his compatriot: "I think his biggest strength is he's very calm," he said.
"He was able to look to the long-term, even when results and performances weren't up to the standard expected at United.
"With one or two more additions to the squad, and one more pre-season with the team, they will gradually close the gap to their neighbours."
However, friendships will be swept aside when the two go toe-to-toe on Monday night and the Copenhagen boss will be hoping for a repeat of the success he found against his opponent's former manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
The former Wolves manager famously beat United 1-0 in the group stages of the 2006 Champions League in what was his first term in charge of the Danish Superliga side.
Pressure on United
Despite his past success against the Red Devils, Solbakken knows his side are the underdogs: "Everything has to go for us and against United if we're to stand any chance," he added.
"The two teams under the most pressure to win the Europa League are United and Inter Milan."
But following Wednesday's win against LASK, Solskjaer told club media and BT Sport that he is relishing the competition that Solbakken's Copenhagen side bring.
"I know Stale really well. A good friend of mine," Solskjaer said.
"I know what there is to know about Stale probably. And he probably knows what there is to know about me! I'm looking forward to it."
Manchester United vs F.C. Copenhagen will be televised on BT Sport, kick off 8:00 pm.
