Ole Gunnar Solskjaer seems to be tackling mission impossible with ease at Manchester United, with the Norwegian losing just one of his opening 17 games.

The former  striker was appointed as interim boss with United sitting in sixth position and having just been drawn with French giants Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.

Despite his infectious rapport with the United faithful, Solskjaer did not have the managerial resume that screamed a future boss at Old Trafford.

But here we are just three months later and United are in the top four and into the quarter-finals of the Champions League after an astonishing comeback victory over two legs against PSG.

Some still have their reservations, but others believe his success is down to having the best tutor of them all when he was a player at the club.

In an interview with Norwegian podcast Fotballklubben, Solskjaer opened up about how Sir Alex Ferguson's managerial approach has influenced him, especially in regards to man management.

"First and foremost, when I arrived at United, I observe the players, and I talk to them to get to know them," Solskjaer explained.

"It was easy for Fergie to know that Wes Brown should not be complimented to much, he needs a kick in the ass, and for me, he could leave me out.

"I didn’t need a lot of explanations or talking," Solskjaer added.

"Ryan Giggs didn’t get too much compliments either- I have to do this pretty quick, but I talk a lot to them."

The baby-faced assassin went on dissect how he treats the younger players compared to some of the more seasoned veterans at the club.

"If it is a veteran - someone who has been at the club for 10 years, I go full out in the dressing room. No mercy.

"A young player (think Pereira vs Burnley), its more hands on shoulders, invite them out for lunch or dinner."

A story involving former club captain Gary Neville and Solskjaer's right hand man Mike Phelan seems to have stuck in the Norwegian's mind.

"An older player, like Gary Neville after West Brom - we talked about it the other day, Neville asked Mike Phelan after the game, 'Mick, What do you think'.

" 'If you want me to be honest, I think its time' he answered, and I think that was maybe the last game he played as well."