David De Gea said the "real Manchester United" <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/return-of-encyclopedia-ferguson-massive-for-manchester-united-pochettino-189715">had been on </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/return-of-encyclopedia-ferguson-massive-for-manchester-united-pochettino-189715">show</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/return-of-encyclopedia-ferguson-massive-for-manchester-united-pochettino-189715"> after his brilliant</a> goalkeeping display secured a 1-0 win over Tottenham at Wembley on Sunday.

The victory gave Ole Gunnar Solskjaer his sixth successive win in all competitions, and fifth in a row in the Premier League, as United's caretaker manager since replacing the sacked Jose Mourinho.

It also meant the former United striker had broken the record of the legendary Matt Busby, who won his first five games as the Old Trafford club's manager.

Marcus Rashford scored the only goal shortly before half-time but credit for the win belonged primarily to De Gea whose 11 saves were the most he had made in a top-flight match without conceding a goal.

But the 28-year-old played down his contribution to United's latest victory, a win that saw them draw level on points with fifth-placed Arsenal and instead praised the "happiness" Solskjaer has brought to the dressing room.

"We won the game against a top team, we controlled the first half but in the second half they had chances," De Gea told Sky Sports.

"I was feeling very well with the first two saves, it was a great game. I don't even remember some of the saves so I can't pick a best."

"The manager brought some happiness, the players are playing well and the team is very strong now." "This is the real Manchester United," he added.

Meanwhile, Rashford was in no doubt about how much De Gea had done against a Tottenham side who remained nine points adrift of league leaders Liverpool.

"It's a good responsibility to be the main striker but everyone has chipped in," said Rashford. "It was the keeper (who won us the game) today."

Meanwhile, Tottenham defender Ben Davies said Mauricio Pochettino's men should not be disheartened by a defeat that was largely down to De Gea's 'dream match' between the posts.

"David de Gea has pulled off three or four brilliant saves, and on another day, they go in," Davies said.

"It is disappointing but it wasn't the worst performance. The boys up front are slotting them away most weeks, but today it wasn't their day." 
&nbsp;

David De Gea said the "real Manchester United" had been on show after his brilliant goalkeeping display secured a 1-0 win over Tottenham at Wembley on Sunday. The victory gave Ole Gunnar Solskjaer his sixth successive win in all competitions, and fifth in a row in the Premier League, as United's caretaker manager since replacing the sacked Jose Mourinho.

David De Gea said the "real Manchester United" had been on show after his brilliant goalkeeping display secured a 1-0 win over Tottenham at Wembley on Sunday. The victory gave Ole Gunnar Solskjaer his sixth successive win in all competitions, and fifth in a row in the Premier League, as United's caretaker manager since replacing the sacked Jose Mourinho. It also meant the former United striker had broken the record of the legendary Matt Busby, who won his first five games as the Old Trafford club's manager. Marcus Rashford scored the only goal shortly before half-time but credit for the win belonged primarily to De Gea whose 11 saves were the most he had made in a top-flight match without conceding a goal. But the 28-year-old played down his contribution to United's latest victory, a win that saw them draw level on points with fifth-placed Arsenal and instead praised the "happiness" Solskjaer has brought to the dressing room. "We won the game against a top team, we controlled the first half but in the second half they had chances," De Gea told Sky Sports. "I was feeling very well with the first two saves, it was a great game. I don't even remember some of the saves so I can't pick a best." "The manager brought some happiness, the players are playing well and the team is very strong now." "This is the real Manchester United," he added. Meanwhile, Rashford was in no doubt about how much De Gea had done against a Tottenham side who remained nine points adrift of league leaders Liverpool. "It's a good responsibility to be the main striker but everyone has chipped in," said Rashford. "It was the keeper (who won us the game) today." Meanwhile, Tottenham defender Ben Davies said Mauricio Pochettino's men should not be disheartened by a defeat that was largely down to De Gea's 'dream match' between the posts. "David de Gea has pulled off three or four brilliant saves, and on another day, they go in," Davies said. "It is disappointing but it wasn't the worst performance. The boys up front are slotting them away most weeks, but today it wasn't their day."

This is the real Manchester United, says De Gea as Rashford's goal topples Tottenham Hotspur

Alex Ferguson's return to Manchester United's training ground has been massive for his old club, according to the man tipped to take over at Old Trafford next season.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino, whose side host United interim boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's resurgent team at Wembley on Sunday, is a huge admirer of Ferguson -- a man the Argentine describes as an encyclopedia of football.

Ferguson reportedly gave a rousing speech to United's first-team squad after being invited back by Solskjaer recently -- his first appearance at the training ground since emergency surgery for a bleed on the brain last May.

"I think it's fantastic news because he is football," Pochettino told reporters at his news conference on Friday.

"I think to be involved again, I think for him and for Manchester sure it's a massive important thing.

"He's one of the people I admired the most. An inspiration."

The Scot, now 77, retired as United manager in May 2013 after winning 38 trophies during 26 years in charge.

Ferguson's re-appearance at the Carrington training ground has added to the feel-good factor sweeping the club in the wake of Jose Mourinho's sacking last month -- a move that instantly put Pochettino's future at Tottenham in the spotlight.

Former United and Norway striker Solskjaer has won all five of his matches in charge and Pochettino said the Ferguson effect cannot be dismissed ahead of Sunday's Premier League clash.

Massive Impact

"I think all the fans of Manchester United, and of course for the players and for the staff, to have a person (like him) involved is a massive impact," he said.

"And I think he was the best manager in the world, in the history of football. To have the possibility to see him every day is massive. It's like having the big book of Larousse (an encyclopedia), like a dictionary.

"I remember it was a treasure for me when my dad and mum gave a present to me at Christmas. It was a book where you find everything. He (Ferguson) is an encyclopaedia of football."

Pochettino said he was present on one of the greatest nights in Ferguson's 27 glittering years as United boss -- the 1999 Champions League final at Barcelona's Nou Camp when substitute Solskjaer scored a stoppage-time winner against Bayern Munich.

"I don't know how we found the tickets," said Pochettino, who was then playing for Espanyol. "We were in a very bad place and started to walk, we crossed and jumped, up, up and up, and we arrived at the President's (box) and found two seats.

"When Solskjaer scored, we were shouting, celebrating, I don't know why. Because in that moment we were neutral. But the atmosphere was amazing."

With Tottenham third in the league 10 points clear of sixth-placed United and in the title race, the days when Ferguson coule tell his players "It's only Spurs" when the sides met are over.

Much of the credit for that goes to Pochettino who has steered Spurs to fifth, third, second and third place finishes in his four seasons in charge.

Which is why Tottenham's notoriously tough chairman Daniel Levy might need to be at his most obdurate to deter any approach fort eh Argentine from United's hierarchy. Perversely, should Tottenham win on Sunday it would make Levy's task harder.

"Daniel is not an easy person to do business with," Pochettino said. "We need to give him credit because when he was first here 18 years ago it was a different club, not fighting relegation but mid-table. Certainly mid-table in terms of facilities. Now it is at the top.

"In the last few years, we have been fighting with the big sides and that is massive credit to him."

Alex Ferguson's return to Manchester United's training ground has been massive for his old club, according to the man tipped to take over at Old Trafford next season.

Alex Ferguson's return to Manchester United's training ground has been massive for his old club, according to the man tipped to take over at Old Trafford next season. Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino, whose side host United interim boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's resurgent team at Wembley on Sunday, is a huge admirer of Ferguson -- a man the Argentine describes as an encyclopedia of football. Ferguson reportedly gave a rousing speech to United's first-team squad after being invited back by Solskjaer recently -- his first appearance at the training ground since emergency surgery for a bleed on the brain last May. "I think it's fantastic news because he is football," Pochettino told reporters at his news conference on Friday. "I think to be involved again, I think for him and for Manchester sure it's a massive important thing. "He's one of the people I admired the most. An inspiration." The Scot, now 77, retired as United manager in May 2013 after winning 38 trophies during 26 years in charge. Ferguson's re-appearance at the Carrington training ground has added to the feel-good factor sweeping the club in the wake of Jose Mourinho's sacking last month -- a move that instantly put Pochettino's future at Tottenham in the spotlight. Former United and Norway striker Solskjaer has won all five of his matches in charge and Pochettino said the Ferguson effect cannot be dismissed ahead of Sunday's Premier League clash. Massive Impact "I think all the fans of Manchester United, and of course for the players and for the staff, to have a person (like him) involved is a massive impact," he said. "And I think he was the best manager in the world, in the history of football. To have the possibility to see him every day is massive. It's like having the big book of Larousse (an encyclopedia), like a dictionary. "I remember it was a treasure for me when my dad and mum gave a present to me at Christmas. It was a book where you find everything. He (Ferguson) is an encyclopaedia of football." Pochettino said he was present on one of the greatest nights in Ferguson's 27 glittering years as United boss -- the 1999 Champions League final at Barcelona's Nou Camp when substitute Solskjaer scored a stoppage-time winner against Bayern Munich. "I don't know how we found the tickets," said Pochettino, who was then playing for Espanyol. "We were in a very bad place and started to walk, we crossed and jumped, up, up and up, and we arrived at the President's (box) and found two seats. "When Solskjaer scored, we were shouting, celebrating, I don't know why. Because in that moment we were neutral. But the atmosphere was amazing." With Tottenham third in the league 10 points clear of sixth-placed United and in the title race, the days when Ferguson coule tell his players "It's only Spurs" when the sides met are over. Much of the credit for that goes to Pochettino who has steered Spurs to fifth, third, second and third place finishes in his four seasons in charge. Which is why Tottenham's notoriously tough chairman Daniel Levy might need to be at his most obdurate to deter any approach fort eh Argentine from United's hierarchy. Perversely, should Tottenham win on Sunday it would make Levy's task harder. "Daniel is not an easy person to do business with," Pochettino said. "We need to give him credit because when he was first here 18 years ago it was a different club, not fighting relegation but mid-table. Certainly mid-table in terms of facilities. Now it is at the top. "In the last few years, we have been fighting with the big sides and that is massive credit to him."

Return of 'encyclopedia' Ferguson massive for Manchester United: Pochettino

Manchester United's Ole Gunnar Solskjaer enjoyed his fifth successive victory since being named interim manager as his much-changed side beat second-tier strugglers Reading 2-0 at home in the FA Cup third round on Saturday.

Juan Mata's penalty and a well-taken effort in first-half stoppage time by Romelu Lukaku, given his first start since Solskjaer took over, sent United into the fourth round where they were joined by holders Chelsea who cruised to a 2-0 victory over second-tier Nottingham Forest.

It was a subdued performance by the 12-times FA Cup winners at Old Trafford, where Reading impressed, but maintained former United striker Solskjaer's dream start to life in the hot seat vacated last month by Jose Mourinho who was sacked.

"We have performed a lot better, but you can't ask for fantasy football every time and with the changes I made you can't expect it to have the same flow and rhythm," Solskjaer, who became the first United manager to begin his reign with five straight wins since Matt Busby, told reporters.

Alvaro Morata's second-half brace was enough for Chelsea, who beat United in last year's final, to move through.

Yet fellow Spaniard Cesc Fabregas, in almost certainly his last game for the club before he is expected to join Monaco, missed a penalty in an emotional farewell at Stamford Bridge.

Third-tier Gillingham grabbed the "giant-killer" award on a day lacking much of the traditional third-round drama as the Kent club beat Premier League Cardiff City 1-0 thanks to a late strike by Elliott List.

Accrington Stanley, also of the third tier, reached the fourth round with a 1-0 win over former winners Ipswich Town who suffered a ninth successive third-round exit.

Premier League strugglers Burnley made hard work of a 1-0 win over third-tier Barnsley in a match notable for a bizarre intervention by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) -- the system being used in nine of the 32 third-round ties.

Burnley were awarded a penalty for a foul on Matej Vydra before the interval but just as he was running up to take the spot kick the referee Simon Hooper indicated that the decision had been reversed by VAR because of an offside in the build-up.

Manager Sean Dyche was left fuming but his mood improved when Chris Wood eventually sealed victory from the penalty spot in the second minute of stoppage time.

NINE CHANGES

Solskjaer made nine changes to the side that beat Newcastle United in midweek and there was a disjointed feel to his team's display as Reading matched their illustrious opponents.

Fred, another player to get a rare start, thought he had given United the lead midway through the first half but was flagged offside, although Mata was fouled in the build-up.

Referee Stuart Attwell, helped by VAR, brought play back to award a penalty which Spaniard Mata stroked home.

Reading had chances before and after that with Andy Yiadom and Danny Loader guilty of bad misses, and United were given breathing space when Lukaku latched onto a superb pass by Alexis Sanchez to round keeper Anssi Jaakkola and slot home.

The only moment of note in a dour second half, apart from a hamstring injury to Sanchez, was Solskjaer giving a debut to 19-year-old Dutch winger Tahith Chong.

In other ties West Ham United beat second-tier Birmingham City 2-0 at the London Stadium with Samir Nasri making his debut in his first game since completing an 18-month doping ban.

Austrian Marko Arnautovic put West Ham ahead early on but was later substituted because of injury. His replacement, Andy Carroll, struck West Ham's second in stoppage time.

Brighton &amp; Hove Albion beat Bournemouth 3-1 away in an all-Premier League affair with Anthony Knockaert, Yves Bissouma and Florin Andone all on target.

Everton scored twice in the opening 14 minutes against League Two leaders Lincoln City but scraped home 2-1 while top-flight Southampton were held 2-2 by Frank Lampard's second-tier promotion chasers Derby County.

Record 13-times FA Cup winners Arsenal are in action at Blackpool later on Saturday.

Manchester United's Ole Gunnar Solskjaer enjoyed his fifth successive victory since being named interim manager as his much-changed side beat second-tier strugglers Reading 2-0 at home in the FA Cup third round on Saturday.

Manchester United's Ole Gunnar Solskjaer enjoyed his fifth successive victory since being named interim manager as his much-changed side beat second-tier strugglers Reading 2-0 at home in the FA Cup third round on Saturday. Juan Mata's penalty and a well-taken effort in first-half stoppage time by Romelu Lukaku, given his first start since Solskjaer took over, sent United into the fourth round where they were joined by holders Chelsea who cruised to a 2-0 victory over second-tier Nottingham Forest. It was a subdued performance by the 12-times FA Cup winners at Old Trafford, where Reading impressed, but maintained former United striker Solskjaer's dream start to life in the hot seat vacated last month by Jose Mourinho who was sacked. "We have performed a lot better, but you can't ask for fantasy football every time and with the changes I made you can't expect it to have the same flow and rhythm," Solskjaer, who became the first United manager to begin his reign with five straight wins since Matt Busby, told reporters. Alvaro Morata's second-half brace was enough for Chelsea, who beat United in last year's final, to move through. Yet fellow Spaniard Cesc Fabregas, in almost certainly his last game for the club before he is expected to join Monaco, missed a penalty in an emotional farewell at Stamford Bridge. Third-tier Gillingham grabbed the "giant-killer" award on a day lacking much of the traditional third-round drama as the Kent club beat Premier League Cardiff City 1-0 thanks to a late strike by Elliott List. Accrington Stanley, also of the third tier, reached the fourth round with a 1-0 win over former winners Ipswich Town who suffered a ninth successive third-round exit. Premier League strugglers Burnley made hard work of a 1-0 win over third-tier Barnsley in a match notable for a bizarre intervention by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) -- the system being used in nine of the 32 third-round ties. Burnley were awarded a penalty for a foul on Matej Vydra before the interval but just as he was running up to take the spot kick the referee Simon Hooper indicated that the decision had been reversed by VAR because of an offside in the build-up. Manager Sean Dyche was left fuming but his mood improved when Chris Wood eventually sealed victory from the penalty spot in the second minute of stoppage time. NINE CHANGES Solskjaer made nine changes to the side that beat Newcastle United in midweek and there was a disjointed feel to his team's display as Reading matched their illustrious opponents. Fred, another player to get a rare start, thought he had given United the lead midway through the first half but was flagged offside, although Mata was fouled in the build-up. Referee Stuart Attwell, helped by VAR, brought play back to award a penalty which Spaniard Mata stroked home. Reading had chances before and after that with Andy Yiadom and Danny Loader guilty of bad misses, and United were given breathing space when Lukaku latched onto a superb pass by Alexis Sanchez to round keeper Anssi Jaakkola and slot home. The only moment of note in a dour second half, apart from a hamstring injury to Sanchez, was Solskjaer giving a debut to 19-year-old Dutch winger Tahith Chong. In other ties West Ham United beat second-tier Birmingham City 2-0 at the London Stadium with Samir Nasri making his debut in his first game since completing an 18-month doping ban. Austrian Marko Arnautovic put West Ham ahead early on but was later substituted because of injury. His replacement, Andy Carroll, struck West Ham's second in stoppage time. Brighton & Hove Albion beat Bournemouth 3-1 away in an all-Premier League affair with Anthony Knockaert, Yves Bissouma and Florin Andone all on target. Everton scored twice in the opening 14 minutes against League Two leaders Lincoln City but scraped home 2-1 while top-flight Southampton were held 2-2 by Frank Lampard's second-tier promotion chasers Derby County. Record 13-times FA Cup winners Arsenal are in action at Blackpool later on Saturday.

Solskjaer's United make FA Cup progress, Chelsea through

The re-born Paul Pogba scored twice, for the second time since Jose Mourinho's departure from the club, as Manchester United beat Bournemouth 4-1 to make it three wins in a row for caretaker boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

After emphatic wins over Cardiff City and Huddersfield Town, the manner of the victory was further evidence of the return of attacking football under Solskjaer and of the liberated way in which the players are performing.

None seem to be relishing their football again more than World Cup winner Pogba, who has netted four of the 12 goals that rejuvenated United have scored in the three matches since their former Norwegian striker took the reins.

It took Pogba just five minutes to strike for sixth-placed United, sliding the ball in at the back post after a wonderful piece of dribbling and a precise low cross from Marcus Rashford.

The Frenchman, who scored twice against Huddersfield Town on Boxing Day, then burst into the box to head home an Ander Herrera cross from deep to make it 2-0.

"It is different, we still won games with the old manager but it is just a different style of playing," said Pogba.

"We are more offensive and we are creating more chances and that is how we want to play. I always want to do more, but I want to play for the team and play simple."

Not only was Pogba appearing in more advanced positions but he looked back to his confident self on the ball, strutting while in possession and constantly looking to create.

There was real class about United's third, in the 45th minute, as Anthony Martial delivered a low cross with the outside of his boot and Rashford guided it home off the outside of his outstretched foot.

Bournemouth pulled a goal back in stoppage-time at the end of the first half though when David Brooks skipped around the United defence and placed a cross on the head of Nathan Ake who nodded past David De Gea.

Romelu Lukaku made it 4-1, two minutes after coming on as a 70th-minute substitute, latching on to a Pogba through ball and hooking the ball past the advancing Asmir Begovic.

Pogba was inches away from a hat-trick with a low drive from 20 yards out that struck the post.

The relaxed and positive mood was slightly undone by a wild lunge in the 79th minute from United defender Eric Bailly on Ryan Fraser, with the Ivorian rightly being shown a straight red card.

"In the first half we attacked the game with a high tempo and high energy but the response to their goal was great. We managed the game much better than against Huddersfield," said Solskjaer.

"We are still looking for a clean sheet - you can't switch off for one second in this league.

"It's a very very good performance, the crowd was enjoying it but now Newcastle, the next one, is a different kind of test."

The re-born Paul Pogba scored twice, for the second time since Jose Mourinho's departure from the club, as Manchester United beat Bournemouth 4-1 to make it three wins in a row for caretaker boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

The re-born Paul Pogba scored twice, for the second time since Jose Mourinho's departure from the club, as Manchester United beat Bournemouth 4-1 to make it three wins in a row for caretaker boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. After emphatic wins over Cardiff City and Huddersfield Town, the manner of the victory was further evidence of the return of attacking football under Solskjaer and of the liberated way in which the players are performing. None seem to be relishing their football again more than World Cup winner Pogba, who has netted four of the 12 goals that rejuvenated United have scored in the three matches since their former Norwegian striker took the reins. It took Pogba just five minutes to strike for sixth-placed United, sliding the ball in at the back post after a wonderful piece of dribbling and a precise low cross from Marcus Rashford. The Frenchman, who scored twice against Huddersfield Town on Boxing Day, then burst into the box to head home an Ander Herrera cross from deep to make it 2-0. "It is different, we still won games with the old manager but it is just a different style of playing," said Pogba. "We are more offensive and we are creating more chances and that is how we want to play. I always want to do more, but I want to play for the team and play simple." Not only was Pogba appearing in more advanced positions but he looked back to his confident self on the ball, strutting while in possession and constantly looking to create. There was real class about United's third, in the 45th minute, as Anthony Martial delivered a low cross with the outside of his boot and Rashford guided it home off the outside of his outstretched foot. Bournemouth pulled a goal back in stoppage-time at the end of the first half though when David Brooks skipped around the United defence and placed a cross on the head of Nathan Ake who nodded past David De Gea. Romelu Lukaku made it 4-1, two minutes after coming on as a 70th-minute substitute, latching on to a Pogba through ball and hooking the ball past the advancing Asmir Begovic. Pogba was inches away from a hat-trick with a low drive from 20 yards out that struck the post. The relaxed and positive mood was slightly undone by a wild lunge in the 79th minute from United defender Eric Bailly on Ryan Fraser, with the Ivorian rightly being shown a straight red card. "In the first half we attacked the game with a high tempo and high energy but the response to their goal was great. We managed the game much better than against Huddersfield," said Solskjaer. "We are still looking for a clean sheet - you can't switch off for one second in this league. "It's a very very good performance, the crowd was enjoying it but now Newcastle, the next one, is a different kind of test."

Paul Pogba doubles again as Solskjaer extends perfect start

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer continued his dream start as Manchester United caretaker manager with a 3-1 Premier League win over Huddersfield on his Old Trafford debut in the dugout on Wednesday.

Paul Pogba scored two superb goals in the second half after Nemanja Matic fired United ahead in the 28th minute to continue United's revival under their former striker Solskjaer, who hit the ground running in Saturday's 5-1 win at Cardiff City.

Solskjaer, who won six Premier League titles and the 1999 Champions League with United, when he scored a famous stoppage-time winner against Bayern Munich in the final, praised the fans and said he was still finding his feet as United's manager.

"I’ve not got used to it yet," the 45-year old Norwegian told the BBC.

"It’s humbling knowing I’m leading this team out. Let’s see if I get used to it. I captained a couple of games but this was very different.

"They are the best fans in the world. I had such a great relationship with them. It was probably more emotional for my family in my box as I was focused on the game.

The result left United sixth on 32 points from 19 games halfway through their campaign while Huddersfield stayed rooted to the bottom with 10 points after suffering their sixth successive league defeat.

Serbian enforcer Matic swept in a rebound from two metres after visiting keeper Jonas Lossl parried a glancing Victor Lindelof header from a corner to fire United ahead after the home side had suffered an early scare.

Defender Terence Kongolo blazed his 10th-minute shot over the bar for Huddersfield but United never looked back after taking the lead and their incessant pressure produced two sublime Pogba strikes after the break.

United goalkeeper David De Gea denied striker Laurent Depoitre with an excellent save shortly after the break before Pogba made it 2-0 with a fierce low drive from 13 metres to cap a flowing 64th-minute move.

The France World Cup winner, who often flattered to deceive under former manager Jose Mourinho, again showed his class in the 78th when he beat Lossl with a rasping shot from 25 metres which gave the Danish keeper no chance.

Huddersfield, who showed some promising intent in the second half, earned a late consolation as defender Mathias Jorgensen stabbed the ball home from close range but his effort could not dampen a festive mood among the roaring home crowd.

Matic pointed out there was an instant change of atmosphere after Solskjaer replaced Mourinho following United's 3-1 defeat at bitter rivals Liverpool.

"After Cardiff, we gained more confidence," he said. "It was important to win at our stadium, to bring a smile on the face of our supporters.

"It's a completely different atmosphere when you win games. This club doesn't accept drawing or losing a game. This is the way we have to try to win the next one."

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer continued his dream start as Manchester United caretaker manager with a 3-1 Premier League win over Huddersfield on his Old Trafford debut in the dugout on Wednesday.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer continued his dream start as Manchester United caretaker manager with a 3-1 Premier League win over Huddersfield on his Old Trafford debut in the dugout on Wednesday. Paul Pogba scored two superb goals in the second half after Nemanja Matic fired United ahead in the 28th minute to continue United's revival under their former striker Solskjaer, who hit the ground running in Saturday's 5-1 win at Cardiff City. Solskjaer, who won six Premier League titles and the 1999 Champions League with United, when he scored a famous stoppage-time winner against Bayern Munich in the final, praised the fans and said he was still finding his feet as United's manager. "I’ve not got used to it yet," the 45-year old Norwegian told the BBC. "It’s humbling knowing I’m leading this team out. Let’s see if I get used to it. I captained a couple of games but this was very different. "They are the best fans in the world. I had such a great relationship with them. It was probably more emotional for my family in my box as I was focused on the game. The result left United sixth on 32 points from 19 games halfway through their campaign while Huddersfield stayed rooted to the bottom with 10 points after suffering their sixth successive league defeat. Serbian enforcer Matic swept in a rebound from two metres after visiting keeper Jonas Lossl parried a glancing Victor Lindelof header from a corner to fire United ahead after the home side had suffered an early scare. Defender Terence Kongolo blazed his 10th-minute shot over the bar for Huddersfield but United never looked back after taking the lead and their incessant pressure produced two sublime Pogba strikes after the break. United goalkeeper David De Gea denied striker Laurent Depoitre with an excellent save shortly after the break before Pogba made it 2-0 with a fierce low drive from 13 metres to cap a flowing 64th-minute move. The France World Cup winner, who often flattered to deceive under former manager Jose Mourinho, again showed his class in the 78th when he beat Lossl with a rasping shot from 25 metres which gave the Danish keeper no chance. Huddersfield, who showed some promising intent in the second half, earned a late consolation as defender Mathias Jorgensen stabbed the ball home from close range but his effort could not dampen a festive mood among the roaring home crowd. Matic pointed out there was an instant change of atmosphere after Solskjaer replaced Mourinho following United's 3-1 defeat at bitter rivals Liverpool. "After Cardiff, we gained more confidence," he said. "It was important to win at our stadium, to bring a smile on the face of our supporters. "It's a completely different atmosphere when you win games. This club doesn't accept drawing or losing a game. This is the way we have to try to win the next one."

Manchester United give Solskjaer winning Old Trafford debut

Manchester United interim coach <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/ole-gunnar-solskjaer-wants-manchester-united-job-on-permanent-basis-185699">Ole Gunnar Solskjaer</a> is confident his side can make up the gap with the top four in the Premier League, drawing on his own experience in a side where he used to come to the rescue off the bench late on.

The Norwegian enjoyed a dream start as caretaker boss after succeeding the sacked Jose Mourinho this week as United thrashed his former club Cardiff City 5-1 on Saturday.

The result, coupled with defeat for fourth-placed Chelsea, means that United sit eight points off the top four in sixth.

While the gloom under Mourinho this season meant United were drifting out of contention for a Champions League place, their emphatic win in Wales has started to bring them back in.

"We take one game at a time now. We've caught up eight or nine points before but we've got to go one step at a time," said Solskjaer, who memorably came off the bench to score a late winner for United in the 1999 Champions League final.

"I was proud and humble at the reception from the fans, it has been an emotional week. But it's a start and we move on."

Mourinho's tenure was latterly dominated by rows with midfielder Paul Pogba, who arrived from Juventus for a club-record 89 million pounds ($112.6 million) in 2016.

The mercurial Frenchman had been left out of the starting lineup in the Portuguese's final games but was restored to the centre of the pitch by Solskjaer and repaid his new manager's faith by creating two of the goals in a dominant performance.

"I think he (Pogba) brings what he can, he’s a quality player," Solskjaer said.

"But that’s the same with all of them. I’ve worked with Paul before and enjoyed the two days we’ve had and will enjoy working with him and the rest of them in the next four or five months."

With United hitting five goals for the first time since Alex Ferguson's last game in charge, a 5-5 draw with West Bromwich Albion in May 2013, supporters will be excited to see what the players can do at Old Trafford against Huddersfield Town on Wednesday.

Solskjaer, however, was keeping his feet on the ground.

"It’s a great start and we are going to enjoy the next couple of days but Boxing Day is coming and nothing in history is quicker than a football game, so there are still things to work on but they (the squad) grasped some of the ideas very quickly," he added.

"We’ll take it one game at a time but I’ll enjoy tonight."

Manchester United interim coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is confident his side can make up the gap with the top four in the Premier League, drawing on his own experience in a side where he used to come to the rescue off the bench late on.

Manchester United interim coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is confident his side can make up the gap with the top four in the Premier League, drawing on his own experience in a side where he used to come to the rescue off the bench late on. The Norwegian enjoyed a dream start as caretaker boss after succeeding the sacked Jose Mourinho this week as United thrashed his former club Cardiff City 5-1 on Saturday. The result, coupled with defeat for fourth-placed Chelsea, means that United sit eight points off the top four in sixth. While the gloom under Mourinho this season meant United were drifting out of contention for a Champions League place, their emphatic win in Wales has started to bring them back in. "We take one game at a time now. We've caught up eight or nine points before but we've got to go one step at a time," said Solskjaer, who memorably came off the bench to score a late winner for United in the 1999 Champions League final. "I was proud and humble at the reception from the fans, it has been an emotional week. But it's a start and we move on." Mourinho's tenure was latterly dominated by rows with midfielder Paul Pogba, who arrived from Juventus for a club-record 89 million pounds ($112.6 million) in 2016. The mercurial Frenchman had been left out of the starting lineup in the Portuguese's final games but was restored to the centre of the pitch by Solskjaer and repaid his new manager's faith by creating two of the goals in a dominant performance. "I think he (Pogba) brings what he can, he’s a quality player," Solskjaer said. "But that’s the same with all of them. I’ve worked with Paul before and enjoyed the two days we’ve had and will enjoy working with him and the rest of them in the next four or five months." With United hitting five goals for the first time since Alex Ferguson's last game in charge, a 5-5 draw with West Bromwich Albion in May 2013, supporters will be excited to see what the players can do at Old Trafford against Huddersfield Town on Wednesday. Solskjaer, however, was keeping his feet on the ground. "It’s a great start and we are going to enjoy the next couple of days but Boxing Day is coming and nothing in history is quicker than a football game, so there are still things to work on but they (the squad) grasped some of the ideas very quickly," he added. "We’ll take it one game at a time but I’ll enjoy tonight."

Solskjaer confident Man United can make up the gap with top four in Premier League

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer made an instant impact as Manchester United caretaker manager with Paul Pogba to the fore in a transformed performance from the final days of Jose Mourinho's reign in a 5-1 thumping of Cardiff on Saturday.

Solskjaer has been put in charge until the end of the season after Mourinho was sacked on Tuesday and could not have asked for a better start in the Welsh capital thanks to Marcus Rashford's third-minute free-kick.

The visitors also had a slice of fortune when Ander Herrera's strike deflected in to double their advantage.

But United shrugged off Victor Camarasa's penalty, awarded for a dubious handball call on Rashford, with the sort of free-flowing play that appeared so scarcely under Mourinho as Anthony Martial started and finished a fine move also including Pogba and Jesse Lingard.

And Lingard struck twice more in the second half to secure United's biggest win of the season so far.

As well as getting Solskjaer off to a flying start, victory also sees United crucially close the gap on the Premier League top four to eight points thanks to Chelsea's 1-0 home defeat by Leicester earlier in the day.

Pogba was forced to watch the full 90 minutes from the bench last weekend as Liverpool inflicted the final blow to Mourinho's time in charge with a 3-1 win that left United 19 points off the top after just 17 games.

The French World Cup-winner was restored from the start for the first time in four league games and looked far more like the player United splashed a then world-record £89 million ($113 million) on in 2016 than the one that clashed with his former boss off the field and disappointed on it for much of the past two seasons.

Rashford gives United perfect start

It was Pogba who was felled on the edge of the Cardiff area early on and he stepped over the ball for Rashford to take aim with a dipping effort that deceived home goalkeeper Neil Etheridge and nestled in his bottom left-hand corner.

Solskjaer won only three of his 18 Premier League games in charge of Cardiff during an ill-fated spell that ended with relegation in 2014.

But a winning return to Wales rarely looked in doubt thereafter as the visiting fans enthusiastically chanted the Norwegian's name throughout.

The travelling hordes were enjoying their side moving the ball around with a speed and accuracy more reminiscent of Solskjaer's days as a player at Old Trafford when United dominated English football.

Pogba was at the heart of it and his intelligent pass picked out Herrera, whose shot flicked off Greg Cunningham to loop over the helpless Etheridge.

If Solskjaer's side were fortunate then, it was Cardiff who got a break nine minutes later when the assistant referee adjudged Rashford to have handled rather than control the ball with his shoulder inside the area.

Camarasa's perfectly-taken penalty could have sparked a collapse for a team short on confidence in recent times.

Instead, United responded resoundingly with a fantastic team goal as a quick interchange of passes between Pogba and Lingard freed Martial to score his ninth goal of the season.

Lingard took responsibility from the spot just before the hour mark after another soft penalty was awarded for a foul by Sol Bamba on the England international.

And the England international was the beneficiary of another defence-splitting pass from Pogba a minute from time as he rounded Etheridge and slotted into an empty net.&nbsp;

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer made an instant impact as Manchester United caretaker manager with Paul Pogba to the fore in a transformed performance from the final days of Jose Mourinho's reign in a 5-1 thumping of Cardiff on Saturday.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer made an instant impact as Manchester United caretaker manager with Paul Pogba to the fore in a transformed performance from the final days of Jose Mourinho's reign in a 5-1 thumping of Cardiff on Saturday. Solskjaer has been put in charge until the end of the season after Mourinho was sacked on Tuesday and could not have asked for a better start in the Welsh capital thanks to Marcus Rashford's third-minute free-kick. The visitors also had a slice of fortune when Ander Herrera's strike deflected in to double their advantage. But United shrugged off Victor Camarasa's penalty, awarded for a dubious handball call on Rashford, with the sort of free-flowing play that appeared so scarcely under Mourinho as Anthony Martial started and finished a fine move also including Pogba and Jesse Lingard. And Lingard struck twice more in the second half to secure United's biggest win of the season so far. As well as getting Solskjaer off to a flying start, victory also sees United crucially close the gap on the Premier League top four to eight points thanks to Chelsea's 1-0 home defeat by Leicester earlier in the day. Pogba was forced to watch the full 90 minutes from the bench last weekend as Liverpool inflicted the final blow to Mourinho's time in charge with a 3-1 win that left United 19 points off the top after just 17 games. The French World Cup-winner was restored from the start for the first time in four league games and looked far more like the player United splashed a then world-record £89 million ($113 million) on in 2016 than the one that clashed with his former boss off the field and disappointed on it for much of the past two seasons. Rashford gives United perfect start It was Pogba who was felled on the edge of the Cardiff area early on and he stepped over the ball for Rashford to take aim with a dipping effort that deceived home goalkeeper Neil Etheridge and nestled in his bottom left-hand corner. Solskjaer won only three of his 18 Premier League games in charge of Cardiff during an ill-fated spell that ended with relegation in 2014. But a winning return to Wales rarely looked in doubt thereafter as the visiting fans enthusiastically chanted the Norwegian's name throughout. The travelling hordes were enjoying their side moving the ball around with a speed and accuracy more reminiscent of Solskjaer's days as a player at Old Trafford when United dominated English football. Pogba was at the heart of it and his intelligent pass picked out Herrera, whose shot flicked off Greg Cunningham to loop over the helpless Etheridge. If Solskjaer's side were fortunate then, it was Cardiff who got a break nine minutes later when the assistant referee adjudged Rashford to have handled rather than control the ball with his shoulder inside the area. Camarasa's perfectly-taken penalty could have sparked a collapse for a team short on confidence in recent times. Instead, United responded resoundingly with a fantastic team goal as a quick interchange of passes between Pogba and Lingard freed Martial to score his ninth goal of the season. Lingard took responsibility from the spot just before the hour mark after another soft penalty was awarded for a foul by Sol Bamba on the England international. And the England international was the beneficiary of another defence-splitting pass from Pogba a minute from time as he rounded Etheridge and slotted into an empty net.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer makes instant impact as Manchester United thrash Cardiff

Manchester United's caretaker manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said on Thursday that he wanted to "get the players enjoying their football" after he returned to Old Trafford following the sacking of Jose Mourinho.

United have turned to their former Norway international striker Solskjaer on a deal until the end of the season to inject some life into what has been a fraught campaign.

The club parted company with Mourinho on Tuesday with the club in the sixth spot in the Premier League having made their worst start to a season for 28 years, culminating in a limp 3-1 loss to bitter rivals Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.

Mourinho's final few months in charge were dominated by media reports of his falling out with the club's 90 million pounds ($114 million) France midfielder Paul Pogba while his side laboured on the pitch playing dull defensive football.

Solskjaer, who as a player was part of United's era of dominance under Alex Ferguson and scored the goal that secured an unprecedented treble almost 20 years ago, wants to return a feel-good factor to their under-performing squad.

"I am just going to be myself... get the players enjoying their football and looking forward to seeing the supporters again," Solskjaer, 45, told MUTV on Thursday in his first interview as caretaker boss.

"We are in a results business and we want to win games and that is my job. We just want to see them play the football they can."

Solskjaer, who has left his role as manager of Norwegian club Molde, said the busy upcoming schedule of matches would give all of his squad a chance to impress him.

Their game on Saturday at Cardiff City, where Solskjaer was briefly manager in 2014, begins a run of five in 15 days.

“The amount of games coming up is no problem because we’ve got an amazing squad, we’ve got 23-24 players,” Solskjaer said.

“They are all quality and they’ll all get a chance now with the amount of games coming up. They’ve got a chance to show they are Man United players.”

Solskjaer's place in United's folklore means he is likely to receive a rapturous welcome when they play their next home match against Huddersfield Town on December 26.

The Norwegian, who was the hero on one of the club's most famous nights when got the winner in stoppage time as United completed a 2-1 comeback triumph over Bayern Munich in the 1999 Champions League final, said he would relish his time in charge.

"As a player I gave everything I have and now walking out and leading this team and being part of this team. Playing for pride, history, it will be very special."

Manchester United's caretaker manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said on Thursday that he wanted to "get the players enjoying their football" after he returned to Old Trafford following the sacking of Jose Mourinho.

Manchester United's caretaker manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said on Thursday that he wanted to "get the players enjoying their football" after he returned to Old Trafford following the sacking of Jose Mourinho. United have turned to their former Norway international striker Solskjaer on a deal until the end of the season to inject some life into what has been a fraught campaign. The club parted company with Mourinho on Tuesday with the club in the sixth spot in the Premier League having made their worst start to a season for 28 years, culminating in a limp 3-1 loss to bitter rivals Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday. Mourinho's final few months in charge were dominated by media reports of his falling out with the club's 90 million pounds ($114 million) France midfielder Paul Pogba while his side laboured on the pitch playing dull defensive football. Solskjaer, who as a player was part of United's era of dominance under Alex Ferguson and scored the goal that secured an unprecedented treble almost 20 years ago, wants to return a feel-good factor to their under-performing squad. "I am just going to be myself... get the players enjoying their football and looking forward to seeing the supporters again," Solskjaer, 45, told MUTV on Thursday in his first interview as caretaker boss. "We are in a results business and we want to win games and that is my job. We just want to see them play the football they can." Solskjaer, who has left his role as manager of Norwegian club Molde, said the busy upcoming schedule of matches would give all of his squad a chance to impress him. Their game on Saturday at Cardiff City, where Solskjaer was briefly manager in 2014, begins a run of five in 15 days. “The amount of games coming up is no problem because we’ve got an amazing squad, we’ve got 23-24 players,” Solskjaer said. “They are all quality and they’ll all get a chance now with the amount of games coming up. They’ve got a chance to show they are Man United players.” Solskjaer's place in United's folklore means he is likely to receive a rapturous welcome when they play their next home match against Huddersfield Town on December 26. The Norwegian, who was the hero on one of the club's most famous nights when got the winner in stoppage time as United completed a 2-1 comeback triumph over Bayern Munich in the 1999 Champions League final, said he would relish his time in charge. "As a player I gave everything I have and now walking out and leading this team and being part of this team. Playing for pride, history, it will be very special."

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants Manchester United players to enjoy their football

Former striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said on Friday (December 21) spoke of the 'honour and a privilege' of returning to Manchester United as caretaker manager.

The Norwegian - famous for his match-winning performances as former manager Alex Ferguson's 'super-sub' - said his first task was to get the players to enjoy their football.

Speaking at his first news conference after returning to Old Trafford following the sacking of Jose Mourinho, the former international striker is on a deal until the end of the season to inject some life into what has been a fraught campaign.

The club parted company with Mourinho on Tuesday having made their worst start to a season for 28 years, culminating in a limp 3-1 loss to bitter rivals Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.

Mourinho's final few months in charge were dominated by media reports of his falling out with the club's 90 million pounds ($114 million) France midfielder Paul Pogba while his side laboured on the pitch playing dull defensive football.

Solskjaer, who as a player was part of United's era of dominance under Ferguson and scored the goal that secured an unprecedented treble almost 20 years ago, wants to return a feel-good factor to their under-performing squad.

Solskjaer, who has left his role as manager of Norwegian club Molde, said the busy upcoming schedule of matches would give all of his squad a chance to impress.

Their game on Saturday at Cardiff City, where Solskjaer was briefly manager in 2014, begins a run of five in 15 days.

He was the hero on one of the club's most famous nights when he scored the winner in stoppage time as United completed a 2-1 comeback triumph over Bayern Munich in the 1999 Champions League final.

Former striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said on Friday (December 21) spoke of the 'honour and a privilege' of returning to Manchester United as caretaker manager. The Norwegian - famous for his match-winning performances as former manager Alex Ferguson's 'super-sub' - said his first task was to get the players to enjoy their football.

Former striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said on Friday (December 21) spoke of the 'honour and a privilege' of returning to Manchester United as caretaker manager. The Norwegian - famous for his match-winning performances as former manager Alex Ferguson's 'super-sub' - said his first task was to get the players to enjoy their football. Speaking at his first news conference after returning to Old Trafford following the sacking of Jose Mourinho, the former international striker is on a deal until the end of the season to inject some life into what has been a fraught campaign. The club parted company with Mourinho on Tuesday having made their worst start to a season for 28 years, culminating in a limp 3-1 loss to bitter rivals Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday. Mourinho's final few months in charge were dominated by media reports of his falling out with the club's 90 million pounds ($114 million) France midfielder Paul Pogba while his side laboured on the pitch playing dull defensive football. Solskjaer, who as a player was part of United's era of dominance under Ferguson and scored the goal that secured an unprecedented treble almost 20 years ago, wants to return a feel-good factor to their under-performing squad. Solskjaer, who has left his role as manager of Norwegian club Molde, said the busy upcoming schedule of matches would give all of his squad a chance to impress. Their game on Saturday at Cardiff City, where Solskjaer was briefly manager in 2014, begins a run of five in 15 days. He was the hero on one of the club's most famous nights when he scored the winner in stoppage time as United completed a 2-1 comeback triumph over Bayern Munich in the 1999 Champions League final.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants Manchester United job on permanent basis

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was on Wednesday named as <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/interim-manager-would-hold-manchester-united-back-says-fletcher-185298">Manchester United's caretaker manager</a> until the end of the 2018/19 season following the sacking of <a href="Klopp calls Mourinho &quot;outstanding&quot; after the Portuguese departs rivals United">Jose Mourinho</a>.

The former United striker will take charge of the first team with immediate effect and will remain in place while the club looks for a new full-time manager.&nbsp;

He will be joined by Mike Phelan as first-team coach, working alongside Michael Carrick and Kieran McKenna.

"Manchester United is in my heart and it's brilliant to be coming back in this role. I'm really looking forward to working with the very talented squad we have, the staff and everyone at the club," said the Norwegian.

Executive vice chairman Ed Woodward said: "Ole is a club legend with huge experience, both on the pitch and in coaching roles.

"His history at Manchester United means he lives and breathes the culture here and everyone at the club is delighted to have him and Mike Phelan back. We are confident they will unite the players and the fans as we head into the second half of the season."

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was on Wednesday named as Manchester United's caretaker manager until the end of the 2018/19 season following the sacking of Jose Mourinho. The former United striker will take charge of the first team with immediate effect and will remain in place while the club looks for a new full-time manager.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was on Wednesday named as Manchester United's caretaker manager until the end of the 2018/19 season following the sacking of Jose Mourinho. The former United striker will take charge of the first team with immediate effect and will remain in place while the club looks for a new full-time manager. He will be joined by Mike Phelan as first-team coach, working alongside Michael Carrick and Kieran McKenna. "Manchester United is in my heart and it's brilliant to be coming back in this role. I'm really looking forward to working with the very talented squad we have, the staff and everyone at the club," said the Norwegian. Executive vice chairman Ed Woodward said: "Ole is a club legend with huge experience, both on the pitch and in coaching roles. "His history at Manchester United means he lives and breathes the culture here and everyone at the club is delighted to have him and Mike Phelan back. We are confident they will unite the players and the fans as we head into the second half of the season."

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer named Manchester United caretaker manager

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