On This Day in 2014: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was appointed Cardiff manager

News
By ( Press Association ) published
Soccer – Ole Gunnar Solskjaer Unveiling
(Image credit: PA Wire)

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer dismissed concerns over working with Cardiff owner Vincent Tan after being appointed as successor to Malky Mackay on this day in 2014.

The former Manchester United star, who won two league titles and one Norwegian Cup as boss of Molde, said he was relishing his first managerial job in English football.

Soccer – FA Cup – Fourth Round – Bolton Wanderers v Cardiff City – Reebok Stadium

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Cardiff reign was destined to be brief (Martin Rickett/PA)

Solskjaer said: “I’m very confident in my own ability as a manager and I’m looking forward.

“I go into this with my eyes open and I want the fans to be proud of us when we go on the pitch.

“I will only ask my players for 100 per cent which was hammered down to me with the gaffer (Sir Alex Ferguson) and Roy Keane at Manchester United.

Cardiff City v Manchester United – Premier League – Cardiff City Stadium

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer replaced Jose Mourinho at Old Trafford (Nick Potts/PA)

“We can forgive mistakes as long as we have a go and enjoy playing in the Premier League.

“I felt I needed to be back here and I want to stay for the long, long term.”

Unfortunately for Solskjaer, it was the bookmakers who proved correct, as the Norwegian was dismissed in September after failing to prevent Cardiff’s relegation to the Championship, and making a poor start to the subsequent campaign.

He returned to Molde before later answering Manchester United’s call to replace Jose Mourinho, initially on a caretaker basis, in 2018.