Solskjaer echoes Ferguson attitude with fresh Man Utd rallying cry

Sir Alex Ferguson felt losing could be as motivating as winning and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has the same attitude.

Solskjaer claims Manchester United will be driven on in this season's title race by the pain of last season's heartbreaking Europa League Final defeat.

He says it was a "horrible feeling" waking up the following morning, knowing he had agonisingly missed out on winning his first trophy as United boss on a penalty shoot-out.

Solskjaer does not want to suffer a low like that again and says United can use that feeling to motivate them as they bid to win their first title since 2013.

Solskjaer is channeling the attitude of his former manager

"Waking up the next morning was a horrible feeling," he said. "You don't want that feeling again, you don't want to lose finals or big games.

"Sometimes having those defeats in finals makes you come back with extra motivation because you remember that feeling and you don't want that to happen again.

"Sometimes when you win you might just rest on your laurels and think 'it's done, we're great players'.

"We know we're a good team, but we know we have a little bit to go to be where we want to be and win trophies."

Solskjaer's former United team-mate Louis Saha claims the Norwegian is the first Reds boss to handle the immense pressure of following Fergie.

Saha feels Solskjaer has rebuilt the club, re-connected with the fans and just needs to take the final step by lifting some silverware.

"People have seen the club struggling for so many years because when Ferguson left, he left behind a massive legacy," said Saha speaking exclusively to GentingBet.

Saha highlighted the "massive rebuilding job" Solskjaer has overseen ( Image:

Action Images)

"There were also so many big players that left at the same time, so there was a massive rebuilding job. No manager besides Ole has been able to do that.

"He managed to show that he was able to actually get United back some principles that were missing, that are the base of Man United.

"He brought back the fans' desire and love for Old Trafford and then he managed to bring in some very young, talented players up to the required level.

"He now needs to win trophies. Sir Alex Ferguson's legacy was built on winning trophies. But that doesn't come on just one or two good performances a season. It's really hard, but he's heading in the right direction.

"Manchester United are definitely title contenders. They are a huge club and will certainly close the gap this season."

United's hierarchy believe Solskjaer can end their trophy drought, which is entering a fifth season, and handed him a new deal until 2024 in a show of faith.

United have strengthened by signing Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane and Saha feels his fellow Frenchman can strike up a formidable centre-half pairing with Harry Maguire.

"Varane is a World Cup and multiple Champions League winner," he said. "Maguire has done really well, is consistent and a leader on the field.

"However, it needs to be proven in practice. A partnership isn't made on paper."

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Solskjaer feels he has the players to win the title because of the progress they have made and believes consistency is the key.

"We know we're in the most intense and competitive league in the world, and we have to be at the top of our games from game one to 38 to have a chance of winning the Premier League," he said.

"I don't think anything is beyond these boys. It's just how we fare between now and the end of the season."