Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants to manage at the highest level one
day - and remain with Manchester United. Solskjaer's twin targets
lead to the obvious conclusion the Norwegian has designs on Sir
Alex Ferguson's job.
While the ambition may be some way off being realised Solskjaer
has time on his side and will begin the journey by taking charge of
United's reserve team next season.
'I do have ambitions to go into management. I want to stay in
the game and I want to stay at this club,' he said. 'But it is just
about taking one step at a time. I was very good at that as a
player and I don't want to jump into a job before I am ready for
it.'
Solskjaer feels the reserve team job, where he will be assisted
by Warren Joyce following his return from Royal Antwerp, should
suit him perfectly and, using Roy Keane as an example, denies it
has come too early.
'I am not really surprised - I thought that maybe the reserve
team was somewhere the club would like to put me,' he said. 'It is
the perfect job for me because I know the kids well and Roy Keane
didn't finish that much before me and look at what he is doing at
Sunderland.'
Keane's appearance at Old Trafford as Black Cats boss last
September marked the end of Solskjaer's career after finally
accepting the inevitable after long-standing knee problems.
He gets the chance to officially say goodbye to the fans who
still adore him on August 2 when he makes his farewell appearance
in a testimonial against Espanyol.
Solskjaer has already pledged part of the proceeds to
Unicef-backed school building projects in Africa, a further example
of his willingness to use his name to help others.
'I always say football is the most important thing that is not
important in life,' he said. 'As a footballer, you can create
memories and happiness. If you build a school you can help change
lives.'
The 35-year-old also revealed he never considered leaving Old
Trafford during his playing career.
'I never fancied going. The only time it was even an issue was
when the club accepted a bid for me from Tottenham in 1998,' he
added.
'I went to see the gaffer but he said 'I didn't accept it, I
want you here and you will play a big part in my squad'. I just
thought that is good enough for me I will stay.
'My agent was not very happy with me because I was so stubborn
but nowadays even he admits I was right.
'The thing is, Manchester United always fitted me quite well.
And I will be remembered as an important member of the team during
a period when Manchester United has been very successful.
'I can see now that I will always be in the history books. That
makes me very proud
20 LEGEND..maybe giggs can
be manager he can be the assistant 