Professionalism Not Emotionalism For OGS

OGS hasn’t had to wait long for a reunion with former club Manchester United, as this will come tomorrow as he takes us to Old Trafford. He’ll not be emotional about it though as it’s all about professionalism for him.

Is emotionalism even a word? It worked so I’ve used it in the title but I’m not sure if it is? That’s besides the points anyway.

There’s bound to be an element of emotion about the Old Trafford return for OGS as he had such a good relationship with the club and fans, with him admitting that he’d previously enjoyed hearing his name sung when watching them on television from Norway after leaving Manchester United, but ahead of the game he’s told BBC Sport that professionalism is the name of the game for him.

‘I’m not too much of an emotional guy. I’m more professional than emotional. I’ll go there and of course I’ll enjoy it, but I’m not thinking about the surroundings, I’m thinking about my team.

‘I’ve had a good reception from United supporters for many years, because I’ve had a great relationship with them.

‘When we’ve watched the United games over the years back in Norway, I’ve nudged the kids and said ‘they are still singing about your dad!’

‘But I’m not that emotional as I said. It’s hard to say, though. You never know, sometimes it just catches you doesn’t it? Like when you do your wedding speech!’

Oh yes, I can relate to the wedding speech Ole. I remember giving mine and the emotion of the day just crept up on me, and it wasn’t a pretty sight.

Has Old Trafford lost the aura it had? Some people say that it has but OGS doesn’t think that’s the case and it’s still a daunting place to go but it’s more daunting if you allow it so avoiding the hype is the key.

‘I don’t agree that Old Trafford has lost its aura.

‘To go to Old Trafford is a dream for many footballers and sometimes that can be daunting as well for teams and players.

‘Obviously it’s going to be my job to make sure that it isn’t too daunting for my players.’

Old Trafford will be intimidating for us, Manchester United are enduring a terrible season but that doesn’t mean we’ll be able to just turn up and walk away with the points. I’d be delighted if that was the case mind.

We’ve got to show them respect but not too much, if we do that we’ll lose but I don’t think we should go and face them with too much fear as plenty of clubs have already shown this season, in the Premier League and cups, that they’re more than capable of being beaten.