United won the Barclays Premier Reserve League Play-off shield for a third time in six years beating Aston Villa on penalties at Old Trafford.
But Solskjaer’s second string had to show enormous character as they came from behind three times to earn a 3-3 draw against the holders.
In a thrilling encounter, the southern section champions went ahead twice through Nathan Delfouneso only for the home side to level through Mame Biram Diouf and then a Federico Macheda penalty.
Ciaran Clark’s header eight minutes from time looked to have won the match but Diouf equalised with two minutes remaining to force a penalty shoot-out.
The Reds held their nerve to win 3-2 and afterwards their Norwegian coach said their mental toughness typifies the spirit throughout the club.
exciting game
He told premierleague.com: “We showed great character to come back so often but that is part of being a United player.
“The manager instils that all the time. We have to believe the whole time that we can get something from any game or any situation.
“It will be the same this weekend when the Premier League title is decided. Chelsea are favourites but we have to go out and do our job and then you never know what might happen.
“We will go out for our last home match and put on a performance and then hope. That is the way we are. We have that winning mentality and we showed that in this final.
“We always seem to do things the hard way at this club but it made for an exciting game for the fans which is what we wanted.
“I told the players beforehand this was a bonus game. They had done the hard graft all season and won their league, this was one to enjoy and it was a great occasion.”
Solskjaer has now won the Barclays Premier Reserve League Play-off shield as both a coach and a player.
He is steeped in the Old Trafford way of doing things – so he has already consigned this silverware to the trophy room and is planning ahead.
Although delighted by the victory, he knows the priority remains to push young players through to the senior squad.
great examples
He added: “It is always all about the first-team. Winning this league does not matter if we do not produce players and they now have to take the next step in their careers.
“Some of the boys will now aim to play in the Carling Cup or to go out on loan – and if they get a chance, they need to take it.
“That has always been the way here. The manager will always give players a chance but there are no short-cuts to that chance.
“He sees them every day in training and around the club. He sees what they eat and what they wear and how they conduct themselves.
“There is no room for big-time Charlies. It is not just about talent but about character too.
“My job is to make proper human beings because that goes hand in hand with being a good player.
“The likes of Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs and Gary Neville are great examples. They are top, top players but also top, top people.”
Solskjaer has been in charge of the Reserves for two years since injury forced him to hang up his boots.
Last season he helped United to runners-up spot in the northern section; this time they won it and followed up with the play-off title.
He said: “I am enjoying the job. It is exciting to work with youngsters who always get a chance and I hope I can make a difference.
“Along with Warren Joyce and the rest of the staff, I hope we can inspire them and get them through and instil that winning mentality which is so important.”
“We have that winning mentality and we showed that in this final” – Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
Credits: PremierLeague.com
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