Interactions: – Very strange

For eleven years, Solskjaer played under Ferguson at Manchester United. The years were from 1996 to 2007.

– I looked up to him and learned a lot from him as a manager, says the Norwegian Four four two.

– He always stressed the importance of hard work in conversations with the team. At the same time, he said: “You don't know what hard work is. Ask your parents or grandparents what hard work is. It got us down to earth, even though we were the best team in the world.

Solskjaer continues:

– Nowadays… if you say something like that to a player, his parents or his agent will call you. A lot has changed in the way you talk to players. Everyone has agents. If Sir Alex wanted to talk to me, he would call me or talk to me on the training ground. Now you have to go through different agents and managers. I think it's very strange.

Solskjaer spoke in a series of articles for Four Four Two. He admits that Sir Alex Ferguson helped shape his personality. Coming from my birth in 1996, the respect was great.

The two developed a very special relationship. Things only improved when Solskjaer refused to coach Tottenham in 1998.

“I'm still afraid of Sir Alex when I talk to him,” the 51-year-old says with a smile.

– I didn't want to let him down, but he's the nicest guy. My relationship with him was good, especially after I rejected Tottenham (in December 1998).

Alan Sugar and Tottenham have made a £5.5m bid. Executives above Sir Alex were willing to sell. But Solskjaer chose to stay, giving the manager stars on the sidelines.

Ferguson encouraged his former pupil when he became United manager in 2018.

Many have speculated that the Norwegian could become the new Sir Alex and lead United year after year. But after just three years, it was a lack of awards that brought him down.

Solskjaer is still searching for a coach. He is said to have rejected several offers.