Ole Gunnar Solskjaer denied disrespecting Roma ahead of tonight's Europa League semi-final clash with the Italian club.
Solskajer angered Roma fans by saying “I don't know them and I haven't seen the play” after Manchester United beat Granada to set up a last four meeting with the Serie A club.
Furious Roma fans responded by putting posters of Solskjaer up outside their training ground, displaying his quote that caused so much fury.
The posters also contained the message “make sure he remembers us” from Roma fans angered by Solskjaer's apparent dismissal of their team.
But ahead of tonight's first leg at Old Trafford, Solskjaer denied he was being disrespectful and said he had the utmost respect for Roma.
“Of course, that was straight after the game and, with all the games we've had, I was just relieved we'd gone through,” said Solskjaer.
“Of course I'd watched them, but hadn't analysed and hadn't seen them in depth to give them enough respect, probably.
“It was not meant as any disrespect, I think everyone knows that. I've got loads of respect for them.
“Roma is a fantastic club with a great history. I've actually got two prized possessions back home, a Francesco Totti shirt and a Daniele De Rossi shirt that I've swapped with them and they're actually signed, so I know about the history, I know about the quality.
“With Chris Smalling being there last season we followed them, then they signed Chris and we've not watched them as much, but we've analysed them down to the ground since we drew them, so we're ready for them.”
