Manchester United vs Huddersfield: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer tells players to ‘remind people what United is all about’

‘This is a club built on entertainment and excitement, on giving young players the opportunity to express themselves’

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has used his first home game back at Old Trafford to call on his squad to “remind people what Manchester United is all about” as he looks to resurrect their season.

The former United striker oversaw a comprehensive 5-1 victory over Cardiff City in his opening game in charge, having replaced the sacked Jose Mourinho until the end of the season.

Despite the victory, United remain in sixth position in the Premier League, eight points off the top five and an alarming 19 points behind league leaders Liverpool, yet while Solskjaer knows results have not been good enough for United this season, he has also called on the players to change their performances and remind everyone what the club built its reputation on.

“I should start by underlining how excited I am to be back at Manchester United,” Solskjaer wrote in his programme notes for the first time ahead of the Boxing Day clash.

“I feel like I have come home. From the moment I found out that I was doing this role, today is the day that I really couldn’t wait for. To walk out at Old Trafford means so much to me and I want to thank you all for making me feel so welcome. Walking into the training ground on that first day last week was quite something, to see all the staff, many of whom I knew and a few new faces too – it was something special.

“After today’s game against Huddersfield Town, we will be halfway through the Premier League season and I am under no illusions as to the scale of the job ahead. We all have a lot of work to do in order to get this club back towards where it should be. Not only do we have to impress our results, we have to remind people what Manchester United is all about. We have to show everybody who we really are.

“This is a club built on entertainment and excitement, on giving young players the opportunity to express themselves. These players have shown that they have the never-say-die spirit that United has always had. There is a lot of talent in our squad and this is a big opportunity for these players to demonstrate that and show everybody why they play for this great club. I want Old Trafford to see that today.”

Solskjaer also used the opportunity to thank the supporters for sticking behind the team, with the majority still vocal in their support of the side even during the hardest times under Mourinho. A number of fans had decided that the Portuguese was not the right man in charge at Old Trafford, yet criticism remained at a minimum on matchdays at Old Trafford, and Solskjaer now wants to repay them for their undying faith.

“It has been a difficult season so far, of course, but throughout it all, our supporters have been incredible,” he added. “This is how I remember the fans from my previous time at the club: home and away, the players are always able to count on your backing. It is time for that faith and support to be repaid.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer arrives at Old Trafford ahead of Manchester United vs Huddersfield Town (Getty)

“There are plenty of games left this season and lots to be optimistic about. We still have a lot of games to play in the Premier League and fround to make up on the teams above us; we have an FA Cup campaign starting next month and, of course, there is a very exciting Champions League tit with Paris Saint-Germain to look forward to.

“We have a huge challenge ahead over the rest of the season, but this is a club which rises to challenges and relishes them. It will require hard work from every single person associated with the club, but it can be done and I am very excited to be involved.”