SOLSKJAER CONFESSES: I GET SAME THRILL BEING GAFFER AS I DID

OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER never thought anything would give him a buzz like his iconic 1999 Treble-winning goal in Barcelona.

Seeing the ball fly into the roof of the Bayern Munich net on that hot May night in Spain to win the Champions League was a split-second that defined Solskjaer and Manchester United.

How could he ever match that?

But the Norwegian has revealed being asked to guide United back into the light after nearly six years in the wilderness comes mighty close to that milestone moment.

Yesterday’s 5-1 hammering of Cardiff was a great start in restoring some pride to a club battered, bruised and drifting after Sir Alex Ferguson’s trophy-strewn reign. Now Solskjaer admits he’s got that Nou Camp tingle again.

Challenge

“Wow. Is it comparable? Yes, but the thrill is completely different now because I make all the decisions,” said the Reds caretaker manager.

“As a player, you focus on that 90 minutes and preparing yourself. Now I have to prepare everyone else. When you were a player, you just give your best and do what the gaffer asks.

“Now I have to make decisions, I have to leave players out, but you’re part of a team that wants to do well. I’m here for the team and the club.” He’s also here to enjoy the challenge. Something brooding Jose Mourinho never managed in a joyless reign characterised by a near permanent scowl.

And that’s why Solskjaer has no sympathy for Mourinho or any of the bosses that have followed – and failed – since Fergie.

“Do I feel sorry for a United manager? You never feel sorry for them,” he said. “They’ve got the dream job. I never want anyone to feel sorry for me. There are always consequences to what your actions are.

“It’s a big job, but a dream job. I never thought it was going to happen. I’m just going to enjoy these five months and do the best I can.

Competition

“It was always going to be difficult following Sir Alex, of course. But I’m coming in after two of the best managers in the world in Mourinho and Louis van Gaal.

“In fact, I am coming in after four fantastic managers. Results have been mixed, but football