Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's classy gesture to Man Utd staff weeks after sacking

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has proved his enduring class with an act of generosity to Manchester United staff members a number of weeks after his departure.

The Norwegian, 48, was sacked as United manager in November after a chastening 4-1 loss at Watford, marking their fifth defeat in seven Premier League games.

Solskjaer was unable to deliver the results expected after a period of heavy spending, and the Old Trafford hierarchy subsequently turned to Ralf Rangnick as his successor on an interim basis.

Despite the club's poor form towards the end of his tenure, Solskjaer continued to be held in high regard by staff for the way he conducted himself on a day-to-day basis as well as his heroics in a Red Devils shirt.

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And even though he no longer has a place at Carrington, Solskjaer upheld his strong bond with former colleagues with festive gifts, according to the Daily Mail.

The report claims staff members were moved to discover the former striker had sent numerous luxury Christmas hampers to the training ground.

Solskjaer spoke of his close relationship with United's workforce during his emotional farewell interview in which he said: "I made great friends, I have reconnected with some great friends and new staff coming in.

"The other stuff that was already here we've been good friends and we've connected."

He added: "I'm very happy and proud with what I've done with the good friends I've made, and I wish all the best to everyone.

"You know the staff here, we've been through criticisms and blah, blah, blah, but the way they conduct themselves and the way they work, the knowledge and the attitude, I admire them.

"Normally, I drive in at seven, half seven at times and I think, 'I've caught them today, I'm in before them' but no chance. There's not been a day."

Michael Carrick took the reins as caretaker manager immediately after Solskjaer's sacking.

The former midfielder arrested United's slide by leading them to a draw with Chelsea before victories over Villarreal and Arsenal.

Rangnick was then unveiled as interim manager until the end of the season and he has had a promising start to life at Old Trafford.

The German masterminded back-to-back 1-0 victories in the Premier League over Crystal Palace and Norwich, while an entirely-rotated side drew 1-1 with Young Boys last week.

This run of form has put United's push for Champions League qualification back on track and they find themselves just one point behind fourth-placed West Ham.