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Tag: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

  • EPL: I’m right person for Man Utd job – Solskjaer

    EPL: I’m right person for Man Utd job – Solskjaer

    Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer remains confident he is the right person to take the club forward and has backed his players following their thrashing at Everton.

    United suffered a fifth consecutive away defeat in all competitions for the first time since 1981 after a woeful 4-0 loss at Goodison Park on Sunday.

    Solskjaer had won 14 of his first 19 games in caretaker charge at United but since being appointed as full-time manager last month, he’s picked up just two wins with the other four results all defeats.

    Former England defender Danny Mills told Sky Sports News United should have waited longer before appointing Solskjaer, but the Norwegian is convinced he can take the club forward.
    Asked whether he is the right manager for the job, Solskjaer said: “I would like to say yes, but it’s not down to me to say that.
    “I’m confident in my team and myself and that I’ll be ready to take this challenge on. I know it’s a big challenge and I come in here saying I’m going to enjoy every single second of this.
    “I don’t like losing but it’s a great challenge and when you go through bad results you’ve still got to be confident enough to say this is the way we’re going to do it and we’re planning ahead.”

     

    Sky Sports

     

     

  • EPL: Solskjaer was the wrong choice as Man Utd manager – Jenas

    EPL: Solskjaer was the wrong choice as Man Utd manager – Jenas

    Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was the wrong choice as Manchester United boss, says ex-England midfielder Jermaine Jenas.

    Solskjaer, who scored United’s winner in the 1999 Champions League final, replaced Jose Mourinho in December, initially for the rest of the season.

    He won 10 of his first 11 games and was appointed permanently in March, but has lost five of his past seven matches.

    Asked about Solskjaer being named manager, Jenas told BBC Sport: “I felt it was all emotional with Ole.”

    When Solskjaer took charge, United were sixth in the Premier League and 11 points off the top four. They remain in sixth position but are now only two points behind fourth-placed Arsenal.

    The Norwegian oversaw a stunning comeback as United overturned a two-goal first-leg deficit to beat Paris St-Germain 3-1 and win on away goals in the Champions League last 16.

    However, their Champions League campaign ended in the quarter-finals on Tuesday with a 4-0 aggregate defeat against Barcelona.

    Solskjaer said on Friday that some of his players “need a reality check” after the team’s poor run of form.

    Asked on BBC Radio 5 Live if Solskjaer was the right appointment, Jenas said: “No. I felt it was an emotional decision and in any business it should be a thought-out logical decision for the long term.

    “One of the things they need to get away from is ‘the Manchester United way’ and ‘that’s not the way they used to do it’. What Sir Alex Ferguson did was very unique and United have found it very difficult to replicate with some of the best managers in the world.

    “Pep Guardiola going to Manchester City didn’t say ‘what did Mancini and Pellegrini do to win the league?’ He came in and did what he wanted to do.

    “Jurgen Klopp did that at Liverpool, he had his own style. That’s what United need, I don’t think they need to try and find someone who can get close to what Ferguson has done, they need to find [a new identity]. Mourinho tried to do that but the club didn’t buy into it.

    “I don’t think they know what they’re doing.”

    BBC

  • Some Man Utd players need reality check – Solskjaer

    Some Man Utd players need reality check – Solskjaer

    Some Manchester United players “need a reality check” after a poor run of form, says boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

    United have lost five of their past seven games in all competitions and were knocked out of the Champions League by Barcelona on Tuesday.

    They are sixth in the Premier League, two points behind fourth-placed Arsenal, with five matches remaining.

    “Most of the players have really impressed me with their attitude,” said Solskjaer.

    “But of course there are some that need to get a reality check on where they’re at.”

    Asked if forward Anthony Martial, who has scored three goals in his past 15 appearances, was one of those players, Solskjaer said: “I’ve spoken to individuals – and Anthony is one I’ve spoken to – and they know what we expect.

    “He has a massive talent, he signed a new deal and he knows we believe in him, so he needs to keep on working.

    “Anyone that plays for Manchester United has to deliver to stay in the squad and Anthony is not different to the other forwards like Marcus Rashford, Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez we have to choose from.”

    As well as two defeats by Barcelona, United have been beaten in the Premier League and FA Cup by Wolves and lost to Arsenal in the league last month.

    BBC

  • UCL: Man Utd must aspire to Barca’s level – Solskjaer

    UCL: Man Utd must aspire to Barca’s level – Solskjaer

    Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said his side must “aspire to Barcelona’s level” after their Champions League quarter-final defeat.

    Lionel Messi inspired Barca to a 3-0 win in Tuesday’s second leg at the Nou Camp, sealing a 4-0 aggregate victory.

    “If we want to get back to Manchester United’s true level, true traditions, we have to challenge Barcelona,” said Solskjaer.

    “They were a couple of levels above over the two games.”

    Messi scored two goals in four first-half minutes, with Philippe Coutinho adding a stunning long-range third in the 61st minute.

    United struggled to contain their opponents and had just three shots on target over the two legs.

    Speaking to BT Sport, Solskjaer added: “Lionel Messi is top quality and he was the difference, of course. At 2-0 straight after, it was game over. Messi showed his quality.”

    Solskjaer’s side face a battle to qualify for next season’s Champions League in their remaining five Premier League games.

    They are sixth in the table, two points behind fourth-placed Arsenal, and travel to Everton on Sunday before hosting title-chasing Manchester City on Wednesday, 24 April.

    “We want to play these games again next year, so we have a massive week coming up,” Solskjaer added.

    “There is no point dwelling on what could have been. We have to focus on that week.”

  • UCL: Man Utd cannot rely on fate at Barcelona – Solskjaer

    UCL: Man Utd cannot rely on fate at Barcelona – Solskjaer

    Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has said his team “cannot rely on fate” in their Champions League quarter-final second leg against Barcelona.

    United travel to the Nou Camp needing to overturn a 1-0 first-leg deficit.

    It will be the first time Solskjaer has played or managed at the ground since scoring the winning goal for United in the 1999 Champions League final.

    “[There will be] Many emotions, of course it’s a fantastic memory for me.” Solskjaer said.

    “I don’t look back on that night too often.

    “I don’t know how I will feel – I don’t think it will be too different. I am focused on a better performance. That is my job now.

    “Sometimes people have said to me it has to be our year because of 20 years ago and being back at the Nou Camp but to go through, we have to perform and have to deserve it. We can’t say we are just going to rely on fate.”

    Solskjaer’s goal against Bayern Munich came in the third minute of injury time, two minutes after Teddy Sheringham had equalised, and sealed a historic treble for Sir Alex Ferguson’s side.

    Asked if the prospect facing his current side on Tuesday was more difficult, Solskjaer said: “In football, anything can happen.

    “We know we can still be in this tie if we keep a clean sheet. In the 93rd minute, if we get a set-piece, we are taller and bigger than them.

    “We need to defend well and we need to score. I don’t mind if it is in the 93rd minute.”

     

  • I can’t see Pogba leaving Man Utd – Solskjaer

    I can’t see Pogba leaving Man Utd – Solskjaer

    Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says he cannot see playmaker Paul Pogba leaving Old Trafford before next season.

    The French midfielder, who rejoined United in August 2016, has been linked with a move to Real Madrid.

    Speaking before Wednesday’s Champions League quarter-final against Barcelona, Solskjaer said: “Paul Pogba is looking forward to tomorrow.

    “At Paul’s best he can run a game like this. I cannot see him not playing for Manchester United next season.”

    Pogba missed Manchester United’s remarkable comeback in their last-16 tie with Paris St-Germain after being sent off during the first leg.

    There were widespread reports of acrimony between Pogba and former United manager Jose Mourinho, before the Portuguese was sacked in December.

    Under Solskjaer, the former Juventus man has scored nine goals in 23 appearances, with the manager describing him as “a Manchester United boy through and through” in December.

    “He is a Man United player, one of our big performers on the big stage,” the Norwegian said.

    “He knows the game against PSG wasn’t his best.

    “His job is to be the creator, win the ball and drive forward and I expect him to perform tomorrow.”

    As many as six players could leave United at the end of the season with uncertainty over the futures of the likes of Ander Herrera, Juan Mata and Alexis Sanchez.

     

  • Man Utd coach Solskjaer reveals players that will leave

    New permanent Manchester United manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, has made it clear that complacent players will be sold.

    Solskjaer, speaking at a press conference on Thursday, also set himself the target of winning the Premier League title.

    The Norwegian admitted it has been too long since United’s last title win in 2013, while also cautioning his current squad against complacency.

    “To lift the Premier League trophy again is what we expect, what we’re used to.

    “We can’t wait too many years but we have to take it step by step. It can’t happen overnight.

    “Players who get complacent never last at this club. I’m the same. I can’t be complacent now I’ve got the job. That’s not me. We’re looking forward.

    “We’ve got to work harder. I think the players know my expectations for the future,” Solskjaer said.

  • Man Utd job my ultimate dream – Solskjaer

    Man Utd job my ultimate dream – Solskjaer

    Newly confirmed Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says he has achieved his “ultimate dream” after being appointed on a permanent basis.

    The former United striker was handed a three-year contract on Thursday after leading the club to 14 wins from his 19 matches in charge since becoming caretaker manager in December.

    Facing the media for the first time as the new full-time United manager, he said: “You know when people say ‘it’s their dream job’ – that’s more true to me than anyone. This has been my ultimate dream.

    “Maybe a naive dream but I’ve always had that in my mind. I’m so honoured and privileged to have this fantastic responsibility to lead us forward.”

    Solskjaer was asked if he had his own version of Sir Alex Ferguson’s famous vow to ‘knock Liverpool off their perch’ after he arrived at United, but he said: “I’m just going to be myself, as I’ve always been.

    “I can’t wait to get on to the challenge of improving this great bunch of players. It’s a squad full of potential. I’ve worked with them for three months and the improvement is there to be seen.

    “We know there’s so much more to come from them. The attitude has been fantastic, but we’ve got a way to go. I’m sure we will be successful.”

  • EPL: Man Utd brave to appoint Solskjaer – Schmeichel

    Peter Schmeichel has credited Manchester United with making a “brave” decision to appoint Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as manager on a permanent basis.

    United confirmed on Thursday that the club’s former striker had signed a three-year contract, having impressed since taking over as caretaker boss in December following Jose Mourinho’s dismissal.

    Solskjaer has guided United to 14 wins during his 19 games in charge, bringing them back into contention for a top-four Premier League finish and to the Champions League quarterfinals.

    “I have to credit the club for the timing and also the bravery for doing this,” said Schmeichel, who played alongside Solskjaer at Old Trafford.

    “I think it’s a fantastic appointment and it’s a great opportunity to bring a lot of Manchester United back to Manchester United.”

    Solskjaer was manager of Molde when he initially agreed to enjoy United on a temporary basis and was expected to return to the Norwegian club.

    The 46-year-old’s only other managerial experience had come during a brief stint at Cardiff in 2014, which saw them relegated from the Premier League.

  • Man Utd appoint Solskjaer as permanent manager

    Man Utd appoint Solskjaer as permanent manager

    Manchester United have appointed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as their permanent manager on a three-year contract, the Premier League club said on Thursday.

    The 46-year-old Norwegian has guided United to 14 wins in 19 matches in all competitions as caretaker boss since replacing the sacked Jose Mourinho in December.

    “From the first day I arrived, I felt at home at this special club,” Solskjaer said in a statement on United’s website.

    “It was an honour to be a Manchester United player, and then to start my coaching career here.

     

    United have won 10 of their 13 Premier League games under Solskjaer and reached the Champions League quarter-finals with a dramatic victory at French champions Paris St Germain.

    Several members of the first-team squad, including record signing Paul Pogba, have praised Solskjaer for restoring the confidence and freedom the team lacked towards the end of Mourinho’s tenure.

    “This all means that he is the right person to take Manchester United forward.

    “I want to thank Ole and the coaching team for everything they have done so far and congratulate him on this richly deserved appointment.”

    Fifth-placed United, who are locked in a battle for Champions League qualification spots with Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur, host Watford in the league on Saturday.