Solskjaer hopes for a helping hand
OLE Gunnar Solskjaer will hope his former Manchester United team- mate Ryan Giggs can give Cardiff a helpful nudge in their Barclays Premier League relegation fight today.
While Solskjaer’s Bluebirds face a Sunday noon showdown with fellow- strugglers Sunderland, victory for United over Old Trafford visitors Norwich would keep the Canaries in danger zone territory.
Norwich are currently two points above Cardiff with three games left, and Solskjaer said: “I have spoken to Giggsy and wished him all the best.
“And, of course, a boy from Cardiff should want to do us favours in the next two games. That’s important to us.
“The atmosphere in the stadium will be something different. That’s a given.
“Giggsy has given his whole life for Manchester United, and now he is in that ( manager’s) seat and it will be fantastic for everyone involved. Every game as a Man United player is a big one, but you have to control your emotions. I am sure he will sort that out.
“Everyone is interested in the other results, but this week, everyone in world football will be on Ryan Giggs and Man United, and that’s a big game for us. We will be in training, though.”
Giggs has been appointed as United’s interim manager following the midweek departure of David Moyes, and Solskjaer, who made more than 230 first- team appearances during an 11- year playing career at Old Trafford, believes the Wales international ticks every box.
“It depends on what Man United think, but Giggsy has got all the attributes to become a top, top manager one day,” Solskjaer said.
“We have done coaching courses together, so I have seen that he will become a very good coach/ manager.
“When he was a player – and he still is – he chooses his words very carefully.
“He is not one of those who always speaks every single day, but when he speaks you listen, and it has always been that way. He commands respect.”
Giggs is likely to be at the Stadium of Light for Cardiff’s appointment with Sunderland, given that the Black Cats are United’s next opponents after Norwich, and Solskjaer revealed that he has also spoken with Moyes this week.
“You are sorry to see managers leave and lose their jobs, and I have had contact with David and thanked him for the help with ( Cardiff signings) Fabio and Wilfried ( Zaha), and I wished him all the best,” he said.
“Manchester United will always be challenging for the top places, and they will be fine and will make the right decision.”
Asked if he and Giggs had learnt not to use the famous so- called dressing room hairdryer treatment synonymous with former United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, Solskjaer added: “You know, you do different things in different situations.
“If people disappoint me, like if your kids disappoint you, I think you shout at them.
“That’s the same here. When players disappoint me in the way that they choose not to do the right thing, that is different to making an honest mistake.”