Sevilla send Solskjaer back to checkbook

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer plans to strengthen his squad ahead of next season - a task that looks even more pressing after a 2-1 defeat to Sevilla in the Europa League semi-finals in Cologne.

Having already fallen twice at the semi-finals stage in cup competitions this season, United were looking to go one better by reaching this weekend's final in Germany.

And they looked to be on course to do just that after Bruno Fernandes converted their 22nd penalty of the season in the ninth minute.

But goals from Spanish winger Suso and former Newcastle striker Luuk de Jong ensured five-time Europa League winners Sevilla will face Inter Milan or Shakhtar Donetsk in the final while ensuring United finish this season without a trophy.

"The players worked so hard, showed the right mentality, but we need to strengthen the squad depth," admitted Solskjaer, whose side had already secured their place in the Champions League next season by finishing third in the Premier League.

Missed chances cost United against Sevilla, whose goalkeeper Bono was in inspired form.

Over the course of United's quarter-final against Copenhagen and their semi-final against Sevilla they had 46 shots but managed just two goals - both of them penalties.

Sevilla have reached their sixth Uefa Cup/Europa League final - at least twice more than any other side in the competition - with the victory over United taking them to 20 games unbeaten in all competitions. "This was a team effort," Sevilla boss Julen Lopetegui said. "If you beat a team like United in a semi-final you have to do it as a unit. That's what we did. I'm really proud of my team."