Solskjaer thanks Manchester United fans for Old Trafford welcome

Posted Wednesday, January 29, 2014 by Goal.com

The former striker returned to the club for the first time as a manager on Tuesday evening, but says his only concern at the moment is beating the drop

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer thanked the Manchester United fans for their welcome upon his return to Old Trafford, but insisted his sole focus is Cardiff City.

The former striker visited Old Trafford, where he spent 11 years as a player, for the first time as a coach on Tuesday evening.

United's 1999 Champions League final hero received a predictably warm welcome from the crowd and was "humbled" by the reception.

"You feel honoured and humbled that the supporters still appreciate you," Solskjaer told reporters. "But I'm working for Cardiff - that's my job now."

Robin van Persie marked his return from a six-week lay-off with a close-range header after six minutes before Ashley Young added a second with a superb solo effort just before the hour mark.

Solskjaer admits the early setback hindered his side and is targeting home victories to move his side off the foot of the table.

"Obviously you get the [slow] start," he added. "It was a great goal by Van Persie, he gets three bounces on the ball, that's a goalscorer. That's what we need, we tried but we didn't have the 'oomph'.

"This month we've had away games to Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United. You've seen the team develop over the last month, now it's time to get points.

"We probably need another 18 points - we have to target the home games to get points."