Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's change of tune suggests he knows Jose Mourinho was right about Man Utd

Jose Mourinho raised eyebrows when he guided Manchester United to second in the Premier League in the 2017/18 campaign and claimed it was one of his “greatest achievements”.

It seemed a bold claim at the time from a man who has won multiple league titles around the globe and guided Porto and Inter Milan to Champions League success.

At the time, former player Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was amongst those to insist finishing second was no cause for celebration for a club of United’s stature.

Asked about Mourinho’s comments on the achievement, Solskjaer, Molde manager at the time, said (via the Manchester Evening News): “Second place, yeah, they're back in the Champions League.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has talked up Man Utd's achievement after finishing third (Manchester United via Getty Imag)

“But I don't think any of the Man United supporters, ex-player or players are happy with the second place. It should be the top spot.”

Solskjaer’s belief was clear - only the very best will do at Manchester United and nothing less should be celebrated.

It was an approach he promoted when he arrived at the club as manager to replace Mourinho a few months later in late 2019.

But fast forward to the end of his first full season in charge and the Norwegian has changed his tune.

Jose Mourinho labelled guiding Man Utd to second as one of his "greatest achievements" (PA)

He was been quick to praise the “wonderful achievement” of his side returning to the top four and finishing third in the Premier League.

And the fact he is so keen to celebrate and laud their return to the top four certainly suggests he is now beginning to realise Mourinho had a point when he highlighted the magnitude of guiding the club to second place two years ago.

“It’s a wonderful achievement by everyone,” Solskjaer said on Sky Sports after beating Leicester on Sunday.

Solskjaer has changed his tune since realising the magnitude of the Man Utd challenge (Getty Images)

“Today wasn’t a classic but that doesn’t matter, but we need to learn to win these games that we need a result in.

“It’s been like a mini-tournament since the restart and you can see it. We’ve been a bit tired, leggy.

“I think the boys have completed a great achievement. You know where we were earlier in the season, so to end up third is a fantastic achievement.

“Champions League qualification means better opposition next year and big games. That’s what these players need.”