FORMER MANCHESTER UNITED forward Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says he is ‘not stupid enough’ to want to replace Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford.

Solskjaer spent 15 years at United as a player and then reserve team manager before returning to his native Norway to manage former club Molde in 2011.

Solskjaer, who led Molde to consecutive league titles in his first two seasons at the helm, said he needed further experience before considering a move to United.

“I can say that I’m not stupid enough or naive enough to be able to do that job,” he said. ”Every player who has played for Man United would hope that they become such a good manager that they could get that job. If that’s to happen I’ve got to work hard in many, many years and learn, get the experience and let’s see later on.

“As young managers, when you come to a tough period you’ve got to get through that one to show the Man United board, Man United supporters that you might be the right man.  I’ll have to get through hard times before I think about that one. I’m always going to be a Man United supporter, you cut me up I’ll bleed red.

“Any kid’s dream is to play at Man United if you have a Man United heart. When you get too old to play, the next best thing is to be the manager.

Solskjaer was full of praise for Ferguson, who has guided United to 12 English Premier League titles, five FA Cups and two Champions League crowns among other honours since his appointment in 1986.

“He has a hunger obviously to help his players, help his staff, help the club move on,” Solskjaer said. ”There’s never a day you feel he sits down and says ‘I can take it easy today’.

“His work rate and hunger is unbelievable so to be successful you’ve got to be on your toes all the time, you’ve got to work, you’ve got to have good ideas.”

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