Solskjaer hails influence of legendary boss
CARETAKER boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has revealed Sir Alex Ferguson’s role in the perfect start to his Man United reign.
The pair have spoken regularly since the Norwegian was appointed two weeks ago.
Solskjaer learned his footballing philosophy from the legendary former manager who visited him and the players at Carrington before Sunday’s 4-1 thrashing of Bournemouth.
After winning his first three games and scoring 12 goals Solskjaer said: “I’ve had him for 15 years.
“He’s influenced me more in those 15 years than he’s done last week but I keep him informed.
“He paid us a visit at the training ground. He had a nice few chats with us and the staff and he encouraged us.
“He knows the staff I’ve got are Man United through and through. He knows we’re going to do whatever we can, up to the last second we’re here, for Man United.”
Solskjaer’s open-door policy with Fergie, clearly enjoying the new attacking style, is in contrast to predecessors Jose Mourinho and Louis van Gaal who did not consult him.
He and Ferguson have known each other for 22 years and Solskjaer feels right at home at Old Trafford.
He added: “I don’t know if I can say I’m at home at this level – but I am home at this club.
“I’m seeing all these people again when I walk through the corridors here and I’m comfortable in this environment. I’m enjoying my time back home.”
Jesse Lingard believes Solskjaer is the reason Paul Pogba is back to his best.
Lingard came through the ranks at United with Pogba before the French star joined Juventus in 2012 and says he is playing with the same freedom he did back then.
Reborn Pogba has four goals and three assists from Solskjaer’s three games and Lingard said: OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER “Paul’s enjoying his football. He’s playing in the role he likes to play in, just inside off the left.
“He has the freedom to make things happen. He’s always got forward in that position and scored goals.
“Ole’s helped him 100 per cent. He’s given him the confidence and licence to be free and play his game.
“I can definitely see the Paul I used to know. He is back to that player, the player we know.”
Lingard played under Solskjaer during his stint as reserve boss and added: “He’s great one on one with players. I learned a lot from him. He’s very special to this club. He knows where Man United has to be and that’s at the very top.”