Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
SOLSKJAER: STYLE HOLDS THE KEY TO ME STAYING AT No.1
huge for me in the 2002-03 season, I felt properly involved and we had a great run to win that league.
“I won trophies. In 2009 we won the league and I played in the Champions League final defeat against Barcelona in Rome.
“There were plenty of highlights and medals. I cherish them. In the 2004 FA Cup run we beat Arsenal in the semi-final at Villa Park. We knew we would then be favourites against Millwall and won.
“But I am disappointed not to have more FA Cup winner’s medals. We lost against Arsenal on penalties in the final in Cardiff and should have won. Then we lost against Chelsea at Wembley. Alexis Sanchez to score first Giggsy had the ball across the line, but there was no goal-line technology to help us that day.
“I am hoping to go down the management route, I think I have picked up things. I’m jealous of Ole when you look at the players and club he has! What an opportunity for him.
“Ultimately, if you coach, your dream is to manage your country and the best team you can – and Manchester United and Ireland for me, they’d be the dream jobs.”
There were other moments that stand out for O’shea, now embroiled in a battle to stay in the Championship with Reading, who lost 4-0 to United at the same stage in 2017.
A stoppage-time winner at Anfield always goes down well with United fans then an iconic chip and ice-cool celebration at Highbury in a 4-2 win at Arsenal.
These moments are savoured, but there is also surprise over how hard it has been to follow Sir Alex Ferguson.
O’shea added: “You always felt it was going to be difficult with the success Sir Alex had, but you probably thought they’d be able to cope better.
“The other teams have improved – but bringing young players through is the United way. I remember Jesse Lingard nutmegging me for a skills video. I’d take another of those from him if we could pull off a shock.
“But I know how tough it’s going to be. It’s just going to be a great challenge.” OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER believes style of play is the key to him getting a crack at the Manchester United job on a permanent basis.
Solskjaer, caretaker boss until the end of the season, has won his first four games and is looking to emulate legendary former United manager Sir Matt Busby by making it five when the Reds face Reading in the FA Cup today.
Although Tottenham’s Mauricio Pochettino remains United’s first choice to take charge in the summer, Solskajer is making a compelling case to be handed the job himself.
The Reds are now just six points off fourth spot, but Solskjaer believes playing with pace and flair, in the traditional United way, will determine whether he gets the job full-time, not a top-four place or silverware.
Asked what it will take for him to be a genuine candidate, Solskajer said: “Get to summer and people are talking about the way United are playing, the style we’re playing, that it reminds us of Sir Alex Ferguson’s team, it reminds us of the successful times.
“It has to start with the way we play because results you cannot control. You can control how you approach the game and how you play.
“And, of course, trophies. If you can get to the final of the FA Cup and get a trophy.
“That was my last game for United, we lost an FA Cup final (to Chelsea in 2006). That was a tough last year. Let’s see in May if it’s a success or not.”
Solskjaer, who endured a miserable nine-month spell at Cardiff, admitted some clubs are a better fit than others and said United is the perfect one for him because he understands what makes it tick.
“I tried my best and did whatever I could at Cardiff but it was not the right fit for me or them,” said Solskajer. “That’s just how football is.
“Man United fits me very well because it’s in me. It’s in your personality, it’s ingrained in you. I understand the club.
“I thought I could go into Cardiff (and do well), but different clubs have different cultures, different playing styles and philosophies.”
While United were too cautious under Jose Mourinho, Solskjaer already has them playing in the swashbuckling way of Ferguson’s teams.
“We attack quickly when we can. That’s my philosophy as well. Get the ball up in their half as soon as you can, as quick as you can. If you score, fantastic, if not you’ve got to have patient build-up play. But attack quickly.”
Alexis Sanchez, who has been a huge disappointment since his move from Arsenal to United a year ago, will start today, with Solskjaer convinced the £500,000-aweek forward will end up proving his worth to the Reds. “He’s a quality player and he’ll get the chances to get the best out of himself,” said Solskajer.
“He’s done fantastic in training and he’s working really hard to get back to his fitness.
“He’ll get his chances, then it’s up to him to take them, of course.
“I’m sure that we’ll see a lot of Alexis because he’s a quality player.”