OLE: I’M THE PERFECT FIT FOR UNITED
OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER has put his success as Manchester United caretaker manager down to knowing the club’s ‘DNA and identity’. Solskjaer has made no secret of his desire to land the job on a permanent basis after winning nine of his first 10 games since returning to Old Trafford on loan from Molde in December. The former United striker, who has also been the reserve-team boss, is hoping his background will convince the hierarchy that he is the right man for the job. ‘It is easier here because I know what the DNA and identity of Manchester United is and what a Manchester United player is,’ said Solskjaer. ‘It’s a winning identity, it’s a confident identity. We want to take risks. We want to go for the second, the third and the fourth goal because that’s just how we do things at Manchester United. ‘If you can’t handle that, you are at the wrong club.’ Solskjaer’s previous Premier League managerial experience saw him lose 12 of his 18 games as Cardiff City manager in 2014. But he told Sky Sports: ‘This is a completely different club and situation to come into. ‘I know the culture and identity of the club and the playing style. Manchester United, of course, suits me a lot more than a club that struggles towards the bottom of the table. ‘I wasn’t ready for that fight. I didn’t say I wasn’t ready for the Premier League — that’s different. ‘Since 2007, I have watched the majority of (United) games and, of course, I had my opinion on what’s been going right and what’s been going wrong. That’s what you do as a United supporter. So I was more prepared for this one.’ Asked how he has changed the mentality of the squad in such a short time since replacing Jose Mourinho, Solskjaer said: ‘We wanted to bring a confidence into the players that we trust them — because we do. ‘They are here because they are special. Manchester United never sign players if they don’t have uniqueness or X-factor about them. ‘We should never forget what badge they are wearing.’