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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer sends message to Man Utd legend Sir Alex Ferguson after appointment
OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER has sent a message to former boss Sir Alex Ferguson, in his first official interview as Manchester United's caretaker manager.
Solskjaer has been given the reins of club he played for from 1996 until 2007 after Jose Mourinho’s sacking on Tuesday.
In his first official interview since the news of his appointment broke, the 45-year-old was quick to reveal the influence Sir Alex has had on his career.
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“It’s about man management. It’s about managing players, staff and it’s about getting the best out of everyone,” Solskjaer told MUTV on Thursday.
“The boss [Sir Alex] 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."
The former United striker who earned the nickname ‘Baby-Faced Assassin’ for his natural instinct in front of goal and youthful looks, hopes to change the mood at Old Trafford.
“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,” he said.
The former Norway international was manager of Molde from 2011 to 2014 and took the job again after he left Cardiff, holding the role since 2015.
Solskjaer has had experience of managing in the Premier League during an ill-fated spell in Wales in 2014, but he believes his experience will work in his favour at United.
“I’ve had 300-400 games as a first-team manager. I’m confident. I’ve won the league, I’ve won cups, I’ve been relegated.” Solskjaer added.
Mike Phelan has been named as interim assistant manager with Michael Carrick and Kieran McKenna working closely with the first team.
Solskjaer's first test as United boss will be to take three points from his former club Cardiff on Saturday.
The new boss also has this message for the United fans: “It’s great to be back home.
“I promise I’ll give everything I’ve got to get this club back to success. I can’t wait to get going.
“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.”