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How Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has made Sir Alex Ferguson’s dream a reality at Man Utd
MANCHESTER UNITED’s appointment of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has not only pleased fans and players at Old Trafford, it has made Sir Alex Ferguson’s dream a glorious reality.
Man United job is 'truly an honour' says Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
Manchester United have suffered an undue period of turbulence since the greatest manager in their history retired in 2013 shortly after winning his 13th Premier League title.
Despite Sir Alex Ferguson naming David Moyes as his successor - neither he, Louis van Gaal, or Jose Mourinho have managed to remain a settled replacement for the Scot.
Despite the original doubt around Ole Gunnar Solskjaer being made caretaker manager back in December, the Norwegian has proved more than capable of taking on the mantle of Manchester United boss, winning 14 of his 19 games in charge.
Solskjaer’s loyal service as both a player and a coach at United from 1996 until 2011 was rewarded with an emotional testimonial in front of 70,000 fans back in 2008.
Although the last few years of his playing career were ravaged by injury, Ferguson was still devastated at the news that one of his longest-serving players was forced into retirement.
After news broke that he would hang up his boots as a professional, Ferguson’s emotional tribute hit a note with fans all over the country, and his hope for Solskajer’s future has now come to fruition.
“Ole has achieved everything a player could ever wish to achieve,” Ferguson told the press almost 12 years ago.
“He has been a great servant to the club and has always remained a model professional and his manners have always been exemplary.
Ole will hopefully go on to be a good coach
“Ole will hopefully go on to be a good coach."
Ferguson’s dream of having a stable successor could now be on the way to becoming a reality with his former super-sub being handed a three-year-deal at Old Trafford.
Even in his speech after the appointment Solskajer refused to stray from his ever-humble attitude, describing his now accomplished dream as ‘naive’.
He said: “This has been my ultimate dream all the time, maybe a naive dream but I have always had this dream has always been in my mind. I’m so honoured & privileged to be given this fantastic responsibility.
Man United: 'I want us to lift trophies' says Solskjaer
“I’m just going to be myself, I know the expectations of the club of course I want to be successful but I can’t wait to get on to the challenge of improving this great bunch of players, a squad full of potential,” he added.
“We have worked for three months and the improvement is there to be seen.
“There’s so much more to come from them. We know we have a way to go.”
The 46-year-old’s first game as permanent United manager will come against Watford at Old Trafford on Saturday, with Solskjaer and his team in search of a 15th win in just 20 fixtures.