Ole Gunnar Solskjaer greets Paul Pogba at full-time in Manchester United's 2-1 win over Watford

Foster impressed by Solskjaer's impact

Sunday 31 March 2019 12:00

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's team may have wiped the smile off Ben Foster's face on Saturday - but the Watford goalkeeper always knew the Norwegian would restore the grins among the home fans at Old Trafford.

In his first match as permanent boss, Solskjaer’s Reds defeated Watford 2-1, with Foster beaten twice by the strike force of Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial. However, the visiting goalkeeper was still happy for the man he used to play for in United's reserve team.


When Foster was ousted in the Old Trafford pecking order as Edwin van der Sar’s deputy, by Tomasz Kuszczak, he spent time under Ole's tutelage between 2008 and 2010; this stint led to huge admiration for Solskjaer’s man-management skills.

Ben Foster attempts to stop Marcus Rashford.

"He just brings a togetherness,” said Foster.

“Management nowadays has evolved, where players almost know what they're doing. They just need somebody who can really instill confidence and stick an arm around players and tell them that they're doing a good job.

"I think that's what they'd been lacking (at United) in the last couple of years.

"It just seems a better place now, a happier environment and that's what Ole brings.

"When I was playing for him when I was in the reserves here, he was just brilliant. Everybody loves playing for him, you go out on the pitch with a smile on your face and a spring in your step.

“I am delighted for Ole. I’m really happy for him. He was great when he was my reserve manager at United once I'd been left out of the first team!

“I'll always have a really good word to say about him, as will probably everyone who has ever met the guy.

“He's a top bloke and I am sure the lads will enjoy playing for him as well.”

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