OLE’S ‘FERGIE FACTOR’ KEY FOR SCHOLES
PAUL SCHOLES would have ‘no issues whatsoever’ with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer becoming the next Manchester United manager — despite their Champions League comeuppance.
The new Oldham Athletic boss believes his former team-mate, currently in a caretaker role at Old Trafford following Jose Mourinho’s exit, has what it takes handle the job on a permanent basis.
Under Solskjaer, a rejuvenated United had won 10 and drawn one of 11 matches before Tuesday night’s deflating 2-0 home reverse at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain effectively ended their hopes of continental success.
That instant upturn has seen the Norwegian linked with taking the role on a permanent basis but
Sportsmail understands that United, who face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the FA Cup tomorrow night, are keeping an open mind, with Tottenham’s Mauricio Pochettino firmly in the frame.
Scholes, who took over at the League Two side on Monday, described Solksjaer’s impact as ‘brilliant’.
‘I’d have no issues whatsoever (with Solskjaer getting the job),’ he added. ‘I know people will start to question now because he’s lost a game but that was PSG.
‘That could happen to the most experienced manager in the world because PSG are a top team. I think for what he’s done so far, he definitely deserves a chance.’
Solskjaer has been credited with overseeing a return to Sir Alex Ferguson’s regime, in which United were often known for an exciting, attacking brand of football. But Scholes believes the similarities start and end on the pitch.
‘Has Ole got that aggression the manager had?’ he said. ‘I don’t think anyone has that aggression the manager had. But in the way he wants his team to play? Definitely.
‘Ole knows what is needed, the way fans want them to play. Sir Alex created all that and Ole will try and keep all that alive.’
United’s first shot at redemption comes at Stamford Bridge, against troubled hosts, and Scholes would not be surprised to see them progress. He said: ‘Ole will want to win something as manager of United. The FA Cup, after the result against PSG, could be the only thing they could win.
‘Chelsea look in trouble at the minute. It doesn’t look like a happy camp, so hopefully United can take advantage of that.’
Scholes started life at Boundary Park with a 4-1 thrashing of Yeovil followed by yesterday’s 1-1 home draw to Crewe Alexandra.
At the moment, he is not looking beyond his first job.
‘I’m ambitious but I’m ambitious with Oldham, nobody else,’ he said. ‘I just want to get this club as far as it can go. Whether that’s into League One, into the Championship, we’ll have to wait and see.’