Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s sole focus is to win this season’s Europa League and his first trophy as United’s manager as it could be a platform for the youngsters to succeed and develop at the club in the coming years.

The Red Devils finished third in the Premier League which helped to secure Champions League football next season at Old Trafford, easing the pressure ahead of their Europa League quarter-final encounter with FC Copenhagen.

Competing in the Champions League has been in the DNA of the club – but Solskjaer’s believes this season’s European campaign will definitely aid in the club’s developments for younger players.

"We went into this season knowing that Europa League is a great chance for us one to get a trophy, to get far in a tournament," Solskjaer said in his pre-match press conference, as noted by Sky Sports.

"But also to groom a few of the youngsters and it was perfect for us.

"I think if we'd been in the Champions League this season - of course we all want to be the Champions League - I probably or maybe wouldn't have had the chance to play the likes of Brandon (Williams) as much as we have, Mason (Greenwood) - so many of the young kids who have now started what's going to be fantastic careers.

"The Europa League has also been about that as well. It's about keeping the squad together, have a group that is working together and giving people chances.

"When they take them - Brandon is going to play in a quarter-final in the Europa League. It's a great achievement for him this season and it's a perfect for us."

One-legged tie and playing behind closed doors

United’s Europa League campaign has seen them travel across Europe – Holland, Serbia, Kazakhstan, Belgium and Austria, now go to Germany to be in touching distance for a second Europa League triumph in a new-look final-eight tournament.

Due to coronavirus pandemic, games will be played behind closed doors and will play a single-leg tie in North Rhine-Westphalia, where United face FC Copenhagen in Cologne on Monday evening. Solskjaer remains hopeful they can go all the way to the final on August 21.

"I think it is strange and it is not football as it should be - I think it's changed a little bit," said the United boss.

“That little bit of passion and edge to the game is missing because the fans have got to be there. But I have to commend our players. They've handled the situation really well and I know our fans can't wait to get back to Old Trafford and support us. 

"We'll just have to try to make the most of this Europa League now and hopefully get as far as we can, so they are looking forward even more to seeing the players."

Goalkeeping decision

Solskjaer faces a great dilemma on Monday night as to who will start in goal.

Sergio Romero has regularly featured in this season’s competition ahead of David De Gea, who’s had a dreadful season.

United shouldn’t forget Dean Henderson who has shined through on loan at Sheffield United and could have a future at Old Trafford.

"That's an obvious question because I think I must be the most privileged manager in the world with the goalkeeping department," Solskjaer said.

"We've got Sergio, David and we've got Dean Henderson as well coming back, so you've got three top, top keepers.

"This season has shown again how important Sergio has been for us and, for me, also David's been always performing there.

"So, we'll see what we do for the rest of the season and going forward. Difficult, yeah, of course it is. But that's a nice problem to have."

Solskjaer added: "Competition for places is important and we are looking to have competition for places with Dean Sergio, and David at the moment in the ranks, with Lee - the fantastic professional that he is - backing them up.

"But it will be difficult obviously to keep three of them at the club so we'll see what the decision will be there.

Pogba catching up with lost time

There were some positives during the current times is Paul Pogba, who has now marked his four years at the club since he returned to Old Trafford on a world-record fee.

"I've answered numerous questions on Paul," Solskjaer said. "We're delighted he's back playing; he's fit, he's enjoying his football. Of course, he's got to make up for lost time and he is trying to do that.

"He is training extra. He's always a great personality in and around the place, and hopefully we can see him lift this trophy that he's done before.

"He's professional, he's a fantastic boy and I'm delighted that we've got him in the team."