What Man Utd boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer did before Barcelona clash is just like Ferguson

Manchester United take on Barcelona tonight in the Champions League, with the Red Devils keen to continue their European adventure on Solskjaer’s watch.

The 46-year-old has worked wonders since replacing Jose Mourinho nearly four months ago, with a famous 3-1 win over PSG in the last round the biggest win of the lot.

Manchester United have hit a rough patch in recent weeks, losing three of their last four games against Wolves (twice) and Arsenal respectively.

Had Jose Mourinho still been in charge, the mood around Old Trafford would be one of doom and gloom – as it often was prior to his departure.

But Solskjaer, speaking yesterday, chose to indulged his United players. Praise, and not criticism, is Solskjaer’s preferred method of motivation.

“He’s a fantastic player and he will go down in history as one of the best individual players ever,” said Solskjaer.

“He will be difficult to stop but it is never impossible.

“What kind of plan can you have to stop one of the best players in the world? But it’s not like it’s Messi against Man United — it’s (Luis) Suarez, (Philippe) Coutinho, (Ivan) Rakitic and (Arturo) Vidal. Barcelona, with the history, tradition and quality of individuals, we know we need to step up our game — which we didn’t against PSG at home.

“But the outcome of the second leg has given the players and supporters belief it’s possible. We’re ready.”

Belief. That’s how Solskjaer, since his appointment in December, has been winning matches.

With United now, nothing is impossible.

They looked down and out going into the return leg against PSG. Nobody would have predicted them scoring three times in Paris to progress.

But not Solskjaer. He believes. He feels United can stun anyone.

Mourinho was always too preoccupied with the opposition to ever really make his mark. The 56-year-old always sold his side short.

Solskjaer, contrastingly, does not. In his eyes, Barcelona are beatable. Particularly at Old Trafford.

Praising stars on the eve of such a huge encounter is a masterstroke. United players will go into the game with their heads up, rather than down.

Brilliance like that was what made Sir Alex Ferguson the legend he is.

Whether Solskjaer, the man many have been dubbing as Ferguson’s true, ideal successor, can mastermind a Barcelona win to go with his words remains to be seen.