Watch it: Ferguson is
warning Solskjaer not to rush over to England and coach
Sir Alex Ferguson has warned Ole
Gunnar Solskjaer against heading straight back to England so soon
after his Norwegian title success with
Molde.
Ferguson always felt Solskjaer was the most
likely of his long-serving members of his Manchester United squad
to become a coach.
The long-serving United boss offered Solskjaer
the opportunity to coach the reserve side at Old Trafford when he
retired from the game in 2008.
After a two-year apprenticeship Solskjaer
returned to his former club Molde in December, triggering an
instant reversal in fortunes to a team that finished last season in
11th spot.
At the weekend, he was confirmed as a league
champion, the 38-year-old clinching Molde's first title in their
100-year history.
The achievement brought an immediate link to the
present vacancy at Championship outfit Portsmouth, and a more
obvious suggestion he could eventually replace Ferguson at
United.
The main man: Solskjaer has already had success as
manager guiding Molde to their first ever league title in
100-years
However, the Scot believes a man who will forever have a
place in Red Devils' folklore due to his injury-time winner in the
1999 Champions League final, should enjoy his time at home before
opting to make a return to England.
'It is possible (he could return as boss in
England),' said Ferguson. 'It just depends when.
'I don't think he should rush into it because
experience is good and the experience he has got at Molde is a very
good one.
'He comes from the area. His wife and family are
all back home there.
'He has won the championship and there is no need
to hurry.
'The time will come and the timing will be
important but he is easily capable of coming into English
football.'
Ahead of his
own side's Champions League encounter with Otelul Galati at Old
Trafford on Wednesday, Ferguson recalled how Solskjaer made such a
positive impression during his own 366-game career at United, which
yielded 125 goals in addition to the one he is most famous
for.
'My knowledge of Ole as a student of the game is
quite clear; every game he played and every training session he
took part in he always wrote it all down,' said
Ferguson.
'That tells you his dedication to learn the game
and also his attention to meticulous detail.
'That gives him a great start because you need
dedication and sacrifice to go into management these
days.
'He was a great player and a very nice person.
Players will respond to him.'
Ferguson revealed he jumped the gun with his
congratulations, texting Solskjaer prior to the 2-2 draw with
Stromsgodset on Sunday that secured Molde a place in next season's
Champions League.
'All the players have been in touch. I texted him
on Saturday thinking he had won the league but he was playing on
Sunday.
'It is a great achievement considering this is
his first year.
'He had a great spell with our reserve team so he
wasn't coming into the job blind but it is fantastic
news.'
Glory goals: Solskjaer scored 125 goals for United
including the winning goal in the Champions League final against
Bayern Munich
Testimonial: Ferguson congratulates Solskjaer for his
service to United
