Ole Gunnar Solskjaer turns up to staff Christmas party and gives rousing speech
After a long first day at Carrington, the new interim boss nipped back to the Lowry Hotel before heading over to the Lancashire Cricket Club
OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER did not just turn up for the Manchester United staff Christmas party tonight - he then made a rousing speech and was given a standing ovation.
It was the perfect way to end what was a long first day in his new interim role after arriving at Carrington before 8am this morning.
Many of the staff he left behind when he moved from coaching the Manchester United Reserves to Molde in January 2011 are still very much part of the heart and soul of the club, especially at the Aon Training Centre.
So after various introductions and re-introductions, Solskjaer, 45, was ready to take his first training session with Mike Phelan this morning.
COME DINE WITH OLE Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants Man United players to eat together at Carrington
But after leaving Carrington and nipping back to the Lowry Hotel, his temporary new home, it was time for the Christmas party.
The first-team manager generally attends the do at The Point, Lancashire Cricket Club’s Old Trafford for the club's office staff.
Last year, Jose Mourinho was a no-show but Solskjaer was keen to set the right tone in order to try and provide a much-needed boost to the club.
During the evening tonight, Solskjaer then spoke to his new colleagues and when he finished was greeted with a rapturous reception.
Speaking in his first interview earlier today - with in-house channel MUTV - the Norwegian said: “I’m back home. It’s great to see everyone. I feel like I’m a part of this club, I know this club and I understand this club.
“I have just got to be myself. You have to ask the people I have managed. I like people, to speak to people, engage with people.
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.
Click here to read more from this sensational SunSport exclusive.
“I want to see them express themselves — whether it’s working in the canteen, being a physio, a player, a coach — that makes me happy.”
Well, he is certainly going about it the right way.
Now attention must return to Saturday evening and the prospect of the trip to Cardiff as United look to get their season back to track.