Solskjaer summons spirit of Ferguson for Liverpool clash

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has joked that he might invite Alex Ferguson to deliver Manchester United's team talk before their eagerly awaited Premier League meeting with Liverpool.

The legendary former United manager has acted as Solskjaer's mentor since the Norwegian took over as the club's interim boss in December.

Solskjaer's impressive success in the role has made the visit of bitter rivals Liverpool to Old Trafford on Sunday an even bigger confrontation than might have been expected earlier in the season when United were struggling to find their form.

The former United striker believes his club is rebuilding their reputation in the game and, given the rivalry that used to exist between Ferguson and Liverpool, Solskjaer said he would summon the spirit of his old leader before kick-off.

"He would be welcome to have his talk to the players if he wanted to," said Solskjaer.

"Because we know how much it meant for him to overtake Liverpool.

"For them, it's a big game, for us, it's a big game. We want to be in the top four and we know how big this game is for Manchester United, for the staff, for the supporters.

"We're looking forward to another challenge for this team because we want to build this team into one worthy of Manchester United's history.

"It's another big step if we can do that at home. Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea were all fantastic wins away; now we have to perform at home as well."
- 'Top, top player' -
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"He can also spray passes when he is sitting in midfield, though I don't think that's his best position. But he can do that as well."