Herrera confident Solskjaer can restore Man.United’s lustre

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer possesses the qualities necessary to restore Manchester United as a genuine title contender, according to departing midfielder Anders Herrera.

The 29-year-old Spanish international — who has been linked to a move to French champions Paris Saint-Germain — believes the common decency of Solskjaer will be rewarded with better performances on the pitch. Solskjaer’s star faded almost as soon as he was given the job full-time after a terrific spell as caretaker manager following the sacking of Jose Mourinho in December.

The former United striker guided them to 14 wins in 17 games but the end of the season has been nothing short of a disaster as they lost eight of their last 12  — ending up 32 points off city rivals and champions Manchester City — and missed out on Champions League football next term.

“He is one of the best people I have ever met in football,” said Herrera, quitting United after the club declined to offer him a new contract when he demanded increased wages of £300,000 ($388,000) a week.

“Everyone loves him in the dressing room. Everyone wants to fight for him. When you have the players behind you and wanting to fight for you, part of the job is done. I believe in karma and if you are a good person, if you are honest and sincere with the players and the fans, sooner or later it will work.

“I think Ole is the right person because he has qualities and knowledge but also he is a great man and a great person.”

Herrera added Solskjaer and his coaching staff needed the fans to be patient as the turn around will take time.

Solskjaer showed there was a harder edge to him when he cancelled an end-of-season review with the players because he was so angry at the limp display in the 2-0 home defeat by relegated Cardiff in their final match of the season.

Agence France-Presse