Ole Gunnar Solskjaer: Nothing beyond Manchester United this season

SOURCE: SKY SPORTS

In an exclusive interview with Sky Sports, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer explains how Europa League heartache and the long-awaited return of fans could finally inspire Man Utd to silverware this season

"It was disappointing," Solskjaer exclusively told Sky Sports. "It was a game we should have won; there was one shot against us on target, so it wasn't like we were under the cosh. But it doesn't matter, the result was what it was.

"Waking up the next morning was a horrible feeling, you don't want that feeling again, you don't want to lose finals or big games. I'm made that way anyway, I'm more determined to do well.

"Sometimes having those defeats in finals makes you come back with extra motivation because you remember that feeling and 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."

'I don't think anything is beyond these boys'

United's trophy drought has entered a fifth season, a prospect incomprehensible at a time when Solskjaer the player was responsible for tormenting defences and putting the ball in the back of the net.

The time has come for all the talk of potential and progress to step aside for tangible prizes. Solskjaer not only knows it but is confident the squad he continues to assemble is closer to his image of a winning team.

Fresh from committing his future to the club until 2024, the United boss has brought Jadon Sancho and Tom Heaton to Old Trafford, while Raphael Varane is expected through the door at any minute. With the talent at Solskjaer's disposal undeniable, it would appear success ultimately rests on application.

"I'm excited by the squad," he added. "I don't think anything is beyond these boys. It's just how we fare between now and the end of the season.

"How much sacrifice, how much discipline, how much team camaraderie, how much consistency, how much hard work, blood, sweat and tears - all these qualities and cliches.

"If you want to be the best you have to live like the best, you have to work as the best and perform every three days. It's going to be tough, but it is possible, definitely."

He continued: "I've seen progress; progress in the coaching staff, playing staff, in the club and how we run things, but we haven't won anything yet.

"That is what we are here for at Manchester United. I'm used to winning. When I was here as a player, we finished third once and was either first or second every other year.

"We know we are 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."

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on signing new Man Utd contract

It’s always nice when your bosses are happy with what you are doing. That is key because I am working for Manchester United and I want the fans, the club to be happy with what I am doing. For me, it doesn’t matter whether I’ve got one year, six years or 10 years on my contract, I’m going to do my best until the club says thank you very much