Ole a positive presence for Reds

OLE Gunnar Solskjaer is a happy, positive presence in the United dressing room, Nemanja Matic has revealed.

The Norwegian oversaw his 11th game in charge in the 3-0 win against Fulham at Craven Cottage and has been credited with changing the mood in the dressing room at Old Trafford.

Reports before Jose Mourinho was sacked claimed the atmosphere had soured with the Portuguese choosing to publicly criticise selected players.

But, Matic has explained Solskjaer is positive, even when he needs to shout. “He’s always positive,” Matic said. “Of course when we don’t play well, of course he needs to shout a little bit. But he’s the same – always positive. The same when I see him in the press conference, he’s like this with us also in the changing room.”

United extended their unbeaten run to 11 on Saturday lunchtime and up next for Solskjaer is the visit of Paris SaintGermain in the last 16 of the Champions League and Matic is wary of their threat. “They are a good team,” Matic said. “As you know, they are winning always in the French league so we expect us to have a hard game. But we also have our qualities which we have to use.”

Juan Mata echoed his team-mate’s thoughts and reiterated that United will have to be on top form tomorrow night.

“Two months ago we were not in a good place,” Mata said. “It seemed really difficult for us to come back in the top four. Now we are here.

“No matter how PSG’s form is, they are a fantastic team, and we need to be at our best to win.”

United were 11 points off the Champions League places when Solskjaer took over, but it has taken just nine Premier League games for the Norwegian to get his side back into the top four.

“You always believe you can do it when you play for a club like United it seems like nothing is impossible,” said Mata.

“It seemed very far, the fourth position and the third position, but we are there.

“We want to keep this good run going, with good performances, everyone playing and contributing to the game. We’re very strong as a group, we’re showing it and, hopefully, we can keep going until the end.”