When Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was given the Manchester United job following the sacking of Jose Mourinho in 2018, there were more than a few raised eyebrows.
Slowly but surely though the Norwegian is moulding his team with an emphasis on young, exciting talent – something his mentor, friend and former manager Sir Alex Ferguson would definitely approve of.
It’s that relationship with the legendary Scot which continues to dominate the narrative of Solskjaer’s time in the dugout at Old Trafford. The former striker doesn’t shy away from his close relationship with Sir Alex, and has referenced at many points his desire to rediscover the winning mentality that was such a feature of his time as a player in Manchester.
Recounting his first meeting with Sir Alex in an exclusive interview with UCFB, Solskjaer said: “I was in awe and almost afraid of him! Gradually you get to know him and you learn his tricks, learn how he works and what he demands of you.”
Fast forward 24 years and Solskjaer is in the hot seat. “I remember the first day when I took over at the club,” he says. “I texted Sir Alex after the (Cardiff) game as I was so happy, and he had been out celebrating our (5-1) win. And now during difficult times or periods he’s a great help in helping me to remember those little things that are important when you’re the Manchester United manager.”
Being a player can sometimes allow you to hide, but there is nowhere to hide as manager of one of the biggest clubs in the world. So is there a difference in recognising the size of the club as a player or manager?
“When I was a player I realised how massive Manchester United is worldwide,” he tells UCFB. “How many supporters we have everywhere, how much interest there is in the media and social media. Always the talk of the town is Manchester United. So I don’t think that’s any different.”
Solskjaer finishes: “The difference now that I’m the manager is that there are more people coming up to me and recognising me!”
