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MANCHESTER UNITED legend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is back in management… with the Under-14s of Norwegian side Kristiansund.That’s after he reportedly turned down several job offers this summer.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is back in work… with the youth side of his home town in NorwayCredit: Getty – Pool
It’s been almost a year since Solskjaer, 49, was axed as United boss.
He swiftly returned to the Norwegian coastal city of Kristiansund following his exit in November.
And Scandinavian outlet VG claims Solskjaer recently took charge of his hometown’s U14s side, with youngest son Elijah one of their top stars.
The tactician has been taken several training sessions a week with fellow head coach Per Magne Hals.
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And on Saturday, Solskjaer led his new side to victory over rivals Blindheim in the county series.
Speaking to local paper Tidens Krav afterwards, the Old Trafford favourite reportedly confirmed receiving several approaches over the summer months.
However, without naming the sides, Solskjaer added he rejected the proposals.
But Ole suggested he eventually wants to return to the dugout of a top-flight club, saying: “I love football.”
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Reflecting on his new role, Ole beamed: “It should be serious, but it should also be fun. I hope I can contribute to giving the players good habits.”
“Who is the coach or head coach does not play such a big role. I can be an assistant coach.”
It’s added Solskjaer refused to talk about his time at United, which ended abruptly last year.
United’s board took action after a dismal run of results which included a 5-0 home defeat to Liverpool, plus a 2-0 loss against Man City.
The final straw was a 4-1 defeat to relegated Watford.
And Solskjaer was brutally axed before being succeeded by Michael Carrick and Ralf Rangnick.
But he is still remembered fondly by United fans for his incredible time as a player.
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Solskjaer played 366 times in 11 years, scoring 126 goals.
He won six titles and famously scored United’s dramatic late winner in the 1999 Champions League final over Bayern Munich, completing the Treble. More

MANCHESTER UNITED legend Jaap Stam has offered himself up to join Erik ten Hag’s coaching staff.The new Red Devils boss is enjoying life at Old Trafford after winning his last four successive league matches.
Jaap Stam is ready to join Man Utd as a coachCredit: AP
Ten Hag has surrounded himself with experienced figures on the bench, including Steve McClaren and Benni McCarthy.
And former centre-back Stam is now ready to join the team as a defensive coach.
The 67-time Holland international, 50, is currently without a side after being sacked as FC Cincinnati boss a year ago.
Stam has served plenty of time in the dugout with other sides including Reading and Feyenoord.
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And after being linked with United over the summer, Stam admits he is ready to join should Ten Hag feel the need to ask.
Stam told Tribal Football: “I never spoke to United – no one called me for any reason.
“But that’s how it is in football. When a new coach arrives, he invites his people who he knows and trusts and who can help him in certain ways.
“But like I said before, United is the club I love. I grew there as a person and as a player, they made me stronger, they made me who I am now.
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“I have made history with this club and if they need me, if I can help them in any way, I am always at their service.”
Stam played 127 times for United between 1998 and 2001, winning the Treble in 1999 as well as two more titles.
He also starred at PSV, Lazio, AC Milan and Ajax before retiring in 2007.
Stam has worked at United since then, joining as a scout in 2008 to cover South American players.
But he left a year later to become assistant boss at PEC Zwolle before his managerial career kicked off. More

BRAZILIAN star Antony has got the beat going in the Manchester United dressing room – after taking over the role as No 1 joker.The new £85m man – who scored on his debut last Sunday in a thrilling 3-1 victory over Premier League leaders Arsenal – has already endeared himself to his new team-mates with his scintillating performances.
Antony is quickly becoming the joker of the pack at Man UtdCredit: Getty
But the former Ajax star has also made a splash at United with his banter.
A source said: “The players all absolutely love Antony. He’s like a Tasmanian devil. When he’s training and playing he’s 100 per cent on it.
“And then when it’s time to relax he’s one of the lads and loves a laugh and a joke.
“He knows Fred from the Brazil national team so he’s been playing a couple of pranks on him with the lads have enjoyed.”
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The source added that Argentinian stopper Lisandro Martinez is also already a firm favourite with the Old Trafford dressing room following his £56m move from Ajax.
The source said: “Martinez is a beast. He trains exactly how he plays He tackles and fights and does whatever it takes to win.
“He and Antony have slotted into the group really well because they already know what ten Hag expects because he managed them at Ajax.
“They have both been accepted quickly by the dressing room and have given the team a lot of energy.
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“The squad hasn’t been this united for years.”
Antony yesterday revealed he is inspired by wantaway Cristiano Ronaldo.
He said: “Words can’t describe Cristiano, the best in the world. In just a few days, I’ve learnt a lot from him.
“He has an extraordinary mind and, whenever I talk to him, I take a lot from it.”
Antony has been included in his country’s squad along with another new arrival in Casemiro and Fred for this month’s friendlies with Ghana and Tunisia.
The 22-year-old signed from Ajax has made himself an instant hit with the fans with a bit of Ronaldo-like showmanship including step-overs.
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He says: “I’ve always done this, not just here but for all the teams I’ve played for – it’s one of my characteristics.
“I’ve been doing it ever since I was a child. Entertaining is something I’ve always liked and I’ll continue doing it.” More

ERIK TEN HAG has set Marcus Rashford a 20-goal target for the season to help push Manchester City all the way in the title race.And it is claimed Manchester United’s players think the team are better off with Rashford playing up front — and Cristiano Ronaldo benched.
Erik ten Hag is backing Marcus Rashford to fire Man Utd to the titleCredit: AP
Ten Hag is ready to keep Cristiano Ronaldo waiting on the benchCredit: Rex
New Red Devils boss Ten Hag is a huge fan of the revitalised Rashford.
And the Dutchman has made him one of his main focuses as he bids to bring the good times back.
Rashford, 24, boasts three goals and two assists already — compared with five goals and two assists in total last season.
And Ten Hag has promised the forward he will do all he can to help him make England’s Qatar World Cup squad.

 A source said: “The manager wants Marcus to be United’s No 1 striker and lead the line up front.
“He believes Marcus has the ability to become one of the world’s best and wants him to express himself in matches.
“He is always telling him to use his pace and skills when he gets a chance. He told Marcus he will easily score 20 this season.
“They have a great relationship and Marcus is really happy.”
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Ten Hag was proud of United’s 3-1 win over Prem leaders Arsenal, with Rashford scoring.
The source said: “Ten Hag told them, ‘This is the real United. We should be top, not Arsenal’.
“It is felt their only title threat is City and if they slip up, then they believe they can capitalise.’’
Rashford’s form comes amid claims some players feel pressured to pass to Ronaldo when he plays.
The source added: “As long as Ronaldo starts on the bench, the players have the confidence to express themselves.
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“With Ronaldo on the pitch, the team feel pressured. All the players loved it when Ronaldo came back but they’re frustrated he missed pre-season.
“Ronaldo’s not up to speed and relies on instinct — but that doesn’t work in Ten Hag’s system.” More

ANTHONY MARTIAL has hit back at claims that his body language shows he “doesn’t care.”And the Manchester United star insists he always wears his heart on his sleeve, adding: “I’m not an actor.”
Anthony Martial has fired back at critics of his body languageCredit: Getty
Martial, 26, is back playing at Old Trafford after spending the first half of the year on loan at Sevilla.
The France international – set for new contract talks – had a strong pre-season under new boss Erik ten Hag.
And he looked set to lead the line in United’s Prem opener against Brighton before suffering an injury.
Martial has since been limited to just one appearance from the bench as he fights to regain his fitness.
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Some United fans reckon it’s the same old story, with Martial yet to really take off despite entering his EIGHTH season at the club.
The striker has constantly come in for criticism regarding his body language, with some supporters accusing him of simply not caring enough.
But Martial has fired back at doubters by insisting he always gives his all.
Admitting he sometimes lacks consistency, Martial believes any time his shoulders are slumped simply means he is annoyed at himself for missing a goal-scoring opportunity.
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And Martial is adamant he does not play games or tricks, adding what you see is what you get.
Blasting former bosses Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Jose Mourinho in the same interview, Martial told France Football: “Basically, I have to display my disappointment after a missed opportunity so people say: ‘Ah, he doesn’t really care’. 
“I’ll tell you simply: I’m a footballer, not an actor.
“A lot of people think you have to be a comedian and I see players who show their rage so that the public and the media think they are motivated. 
“All the media circus does not interest me. I cannot change to please others.
“I am not irreproachable. When people say that I lack consistency, it’s true. 
“When I have my place, it often goes well, but when I’ve been used less, it’s true that my performance has not been the same.
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“It’s a vicious circle: I’m less efficient, because I play less and therefore I play even less. 
“When it’s like that, I can sometimes drop out a bit. A player like [Edinson] Cavani, he’s at 3000% even when given few minutes.” More

ERIC BAILLY has sensationally accused Manchester United of “favouring English stars” who “took their place for granted.”And he has urged the Red Devils to be more like rivals Chelsea by being unbiased towards their homegrown and academy players.
Eric Bailly claims Man Utd favour English playersCredit: Getty
Bailly questioned Harry Maguire being picked ahead of him several timesCredit: Reuters
Speaking to The Times, Bailly hit out at an alleged fostering of English talent at Old Trafford.
The Ivorian, 28, made no secret of his displeasure at being benched by recent managers Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick.
Bailly was left fuming last year when an unfit Harry Maguire was picked over him in United’s 4-2 defeat to Leicester.
And he publicly questioned Rangnick’s selection of the Three Lions centre-back by liking a social media post calling for him to be in United’s starting XI.
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Like Maguire, other regulars such as Luke Shaw, Marcus Rashford and Aaron Wan-Bissaka have come under fire for their United performances recently.
And Bailly reckons the Red Devils must stop playing favourites if they are to progress back up the league table following a sharp decline.

However, the now-Marseille loanee reckons new United boss Erik ten Hag is on the right track after he axed several English starters.
And Bailly holds no grudges against the Dutch tactician, who wanted to keep him at Old Trafford this season.
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Bailly said: “The club should avoid favouring English players and give everyone a chance.
“The club should encourage competition in the dressing room. I always felt like the English players were favoured.
“That’s not the case at Chelsea or other big Premier League clubs. Some take it for granted they’re going to start and that weakens the team.
“Fortunately, Ten Hag has a lot of character and I hope he can change that.
“I met Ten Hag at the end of last season when he went to sign his contract.
“I was packing my bags because my intention was to leave, but he told me that he wanted me to stay, because he was going to give everyone minutes.
“I agreed to tour with United and he kept his word, but I don’t want to play once in a while. I want to play every week and feel important.
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“I’ve had good times and won titles. I played important matches and I was voted man of the match in some.
“I think that when I was given my chance, I was up to it. I just lacked consistency, because I think I deserved more minutes.”
Bailly has backed Ten Hag to succeed at Man UtdCredit: Getty More