Paul Scholes praises Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s work at Manchester United

Paul Scholes has praised Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s influence at Manchester United despite the club’s European exit – and insisted his next task is to start challenging for silverware. 

The Old Trafford giants have reached three semi-finals this season under Solskjaer’s stewardship, but once again fell short of competing for a trophy after suffering defeat against Sevilla in the Europa League.

United have endured three barren years without success, and Scholes admitted Solskjaer has now been tasked with hauling his players to the next level.

BT Sport pundit Paul Scholes praised the work of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Manchester United

Scholes, who played with Solskjaer at Old Trafford, believes the club should target trophies

The club had miraculously transformed their ailing fortunes that plagued them earlier in the campaign over the course of the last few months. 

The introduction of Bruno Fernandes, coupled with a more free-flowing style of play, revived United to a top three finish and guided them to the final four of every major competition they took part in.

And despite Luuk de Jong’s late winner in Cologne denting the team’s aspirations of rounding off their marathon season by lifting a trophy, Scholes was full of praise for his former team-mate.

He told BT Sport: ‘I think Ole’s done really well. From where the club has been from the three or four years previously to when he came in, I think he’s made a huge difference. 

United have reached three semi-finals this season but were knocked out the Europa League

Luuk de Jong (left) was introduced as a substitute for Sevilla and then netted the late winner

‘The style of football from February, we’ve looked a different team. For two or three years we didn’t look like we could create a chance, let alone score a goal. 

‘Since Bruno’s came in, he’s made a huge difference to this team. He made a dull team into an exciting team. Good young players are coming in, Brandon Williams has done really well, Mason Greenwood, as we know. That’s what United are all about.’

United’s improved form may have seen them battle back from mediocrity this year, but Scholes is now demanding more from the club. 

The 45-year-old, who also urged their hierarchy to splash the cash this summer, admitted that the ‘best team’ lost the crunch Europa League clash and outlined the winning culture that Solskjaer must aspire to rediscover.

Bruno Fernandes’ arrival rescued United’s ailing season but the club missed out on silverware

Scholes urged Solskjaer to help push United on after their third straight year without a trophy

‘Losing three semi-finals is really disappointing,’ he added. ‘Tonight the best team lost the game, there’s no doubt about that. But you can’t keep saying that. 

‘At some point you’ve got to win these games. You’ve got to have the players who win you trophies and win you these games of football. 

‘At the minute, they’re not quite showing that. This is a club that expects to win trophies. It’s been three years now without a trophy. 

‘Ole will know, as well as he’s done to get them to semi-finals, the next step is to find a way to win something.’