SOLSKJAER OUT TO BRING BACK THE GLORY DAYS
OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER plans to take a leaf out of Sir Alex Ferguson’s book in his bid to make Manchester United great again.
Solskjaer has taken over as United’s interim boss until the end of the season after the club sacked Jose Mourinho on Tuesday.
The former favourite returns to Old Trafford with United languishing in sixth place in the Premier League, 19 points behind leaders and bitter rivals Liverpool and 11 points off the top four.
He faces a huge challenge in rescuing United’s crumbling season, starting with tomorrow’s trip to Cardiff, where he used to be boss.
Backing
Solskjaer believes his style of play will be similar to the one United had when he played for them under Fergie after joining in 1996.
And the Norwegian wants to approach the job like Fergie used to after backing himself to turn things round at Old Trafford.
In his first full interview since replacing Mourinho, Solskjaer, who has joined United on loan from Molde until June, said: “It’s about managing players, staff and it’s about getting the best out of everyone.
“The boss will always be the best at that. I get my managerial style from him. He’s been the biggest influence, but then again we’re different. I’m a different personality. I like to speak to people, I like to engage with people. I want to see people express themselves. That makes me happy.”
Solskjaer admits it is crucial he restores some pride to the team and brings back their attacking style.
He said: “When I scored on my debut, Eric (Cantona) was there and it was a brilliant feeling.
“You felt comfortable at Old Trafford and you want the players to feel at home there too. It’s about the players being proud of their performance – and the fans being proud of their team.
“I’m proud of my career as a player. I understand this club, I know the club. Being in the gaffer’s seat is very special.
“It’s great to be back home. I promise I’ll give everything I’ve got to get this club back to
success and I can’t wait to get going. The first thing I noticed was that it’s a family club. Everyone is so tight knit. And then I noticed the winning mentality.
“Attacking football, giving youth a chance and winning. It’s the biggest club in the world with the best supporters in the world and the best players in the world.
“I’ve had 300-400 games as a first-team manager. I’m confident. I’ve won the league, I’ve won cups and I’ve been relegated. And I’m going to enjoy the ride.”
Solskjaer took his first training session yesterday at Carrington following a meeting with his assistant Michael Carrick.
Rocky
He has promised Paul Pogba and Anthony Martial – who had a rocky relationship with Mourinho – will start with a clean slate.
He added: “Everyone will get a chance. You’ve got to start somewhere. You pick a team now and you move on.
“I’ve spoken to most of the players today. It seems like a great set of lads, professional, wanting to do well and learn. But I’ll take time getting to know them.
“The amount of games coming up is no problem because we’ve got quality players and they’ll get a chance to show that they’re Manchester United players.
“We’re in a results business and we want to win games.
“It’s my job to help the players do that. We want to see them play the football they can do.”