Solskjaer reveals how ‘tiny kid’ Lingard ‘absolutely clattered’ a massive CB when he was in reserves
Manchester United's new boss revealed how he knew Lingard 'had no fear' from working with him years ago in the reserve
Sponsored by
OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER says he knew Jesse Lingard would make it as a footballer after watching him "absolutely clatter" a "massive centre back".
Manchester United's new manager was talking through some of the inside knowledge he already has that he hopes will see him be a success at Old Trafford.
It's been a whirlwind 24 hours for the 45-year-old Norwegian after it was announced he would be the man to replace Jose Mourinho.
That will be until the end of the season, at least.
As well as being a former United striker - Solskjaer spent 11 years at Old Trafford - he also managed the reserve side in 2008.
And it is here where he first came across now first-teamer Lingard - and in some way too.
In an interview with MUTV, Solskjaer said: "I gave Jesse Lingard his debut in the reserves, away to Burnley.
"Within two minutes that little tiny kid goes into a 50-50 with a massive centre-back, Kevin Long, and he absolutely clattered him.
"There was no fear, and I thought 'you’ve got a chance'."
United fans will be hoping Solskjaer allows the likes of Lingard, as well as Paul Pogba and Marcus Rashford, the freedom to express themselves on the pitch.
Turning the clock back: Solskjaer vows to bring back Fergie Time at Manchester United
latest Manchester United news
POGBA SENSATIONALLY GLOATS
SunSport can reveal fully the extent of the breakdown in the pair's sour relationship before Mourinho was axed on Tuesday morning.
In October, midfielder Pogba reacted angrily to Mourinho's advice to emulate Frank Lampard.
He hit back, asking Mourinho if Lampard had won the World Cup - like he did with France last summer.
In October, midfielder Pogba reacted angrily to Mourinho's advice to emulate Frank Lampard.
He hit back, asking Mourinho if Lampard had won the World Cup - like he did with France last summer.
Click here to read more from this sensational SunSport exclusive.
And it is something the new gaffer has already said he will encourage at the club.
As well as the likes of Lingard and Rashford starring in an attacking sense, Solskjaer will be keen to finally sort out the defensive side.
Mourinho was desperate to sign a centre-back in the summer, but failed.
However, the new boss believes there is one position which doesn't need addressing whatsoever - between the sticks with David De Gea.
He added: "We have one of the best goalkeepers, the best goalkeeper in the world.
"He has been player of the year so many times over I think eight years, and he is still a young keeper developing so that’s fantastic for me to come in.
"Maybe I’ll have to do some finishing training with him just to peg him down a little bit!"
And it is this knowledge of "United DNA" that will leave him, and countless fans, hoping it will be a long and fruitful stay for Solskjaer in the Old Trafford hotseat.