Ole backed to succeed

Working closely with Sir Alex Ferguson can make Ole Gunnar Solskjaer a success in management, according to Norway coach Age Hareide.

Although only three games into his fledgling managerial career, Ole has made a promising start to his new role at the Reserves helm and Hareide - who coached Solskjaer for Molde and Norway - expects that upward curve to continue.

"I think Ole has what it takes be a good manager," Hareide told ManUtd.com. "He has a lot of experience and he's certainly been under a manager who has shown how management should be done.

"Alex Ferguson knows the game and how to handle people, and Ole is a very quick learner and he picks up bits and pieces from everyone. If he can pick up some bits and pieces from Alex Ferguson then I think he could be a very good manager."

Hareide will be at Old Trafford this weekend as Ole celebrates his United playing career with a testimonial against Espanyol. Having played a pivotal role in Solskjaer's career by taking him to Molde, selling him to United and coaching him internationally, Hareide beams with pride at the striker's subsequent achievements.

"When you're a coach you always wish your players well and hope they succeed in life," he said. "Ole was very special because we built up a great relationship over the years and we still talk a lot. He's someone I'm very fond of; a special person in many ways."