Solskjaer has taken his United squad to Dubai for a warm weather training camp this week after the busy recent festive period gave little time for anything other than rest and recovery between games. It is therefore his first real opportunity to see the players train as normal.
Phelan: “Everyone sees Ole as someone from yesteryear when he was that young, fresh-faced player but he’s matured a lot. He has his own ideas and his own way of thinking and because we’ve got myself, Michael Carrick and Kieran McKenna, it all blends really well.” [MU] pic.twitter.com/Ur7wYUqfca
— The Peoples Person (@PeoplesPerson_) January 8, 2019
"You don't have to be best friends. The team spirit is great. We had one or two fights, but that's just the demand, the standards you set," the Norwegian told MUTV.
"If the session ends with a little bit of a quarrel I don't mind that, because it means they're winners, they want to improve. If you settle for losing in training, you'll lose when a game when it really matters," he added.
In three short weeks in charge, Solskjaer has been able to nurture a positive atmosphere in the United squad, with a number of players speaking about the impact he's had.
For example, striker Romelu Lukaku, who has scored three times in his three appearances under the new boss, explained recently: "He talks to me all the time and I like that.
"He's taught me a lot. Movement-wise, and stuff like that, but obviously he knows the type of striker that I am. From the first day when I came back in, he did a total analysis of my game. I was really surprised but he helped me a lot and I am looking forward to keep working with him."
Home grown hero Marcus Rashford showed how delighted he is to have an Old Trafford legend as manager after tweeting a picture of Solskjaer talking to him, Jesse Lingard and Anthony Martial in Dubai, with a caption referencing his late winner in the 1999 Champions League final.
"Seconds left.. Becks whipped in a perfect corner. Teddy flicked it on. The rest is history" @ManUtd pic.twitter.com/JFGqwUHZLP
— Marcus Rashford (@MarcusRashford) January 7, 2019
It has also been reported this week that United players are already keen for Solskjaer, who is currently only in charge until the end of the season, to be given the job on a permanent basis, with his man management skills said to be a key reason why.
Source : 90min