Fergie like 'buzz' back at the club - Phil Jones

Manchester United defender Phil Jones praised new permanent manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for restoring a "buzz" not felt at the club since Alex Ferguson retired in 2013. After a successful spell in temporary charge, Solskjaer signed a three-year deal last week to remain at Old Trafford. During his period as caretaker boss, Solskjaer turned United into genuine contenders for a top-four spot, despite their chances previously looking bleak under Jose Mourinho. 

However, it is not just the results that have improved after Solskjaer's arrival, with the atmosphere appearing to be better as the players are said to have reacted well to the Norwegian's personality. Jones is one of few Ferguson recruits still in the squad almost six years on from the Scot's departure, and he feels the mood around the club is comparable to that era. 

"I definitely feel the same sort of vibe about the place," Jones told reporters after Saturday's unconvincing 2-1 win over Watford.

April 1, 2019

"The same... the same buzz. The same... I don't know, like you can't really put your finger on it. But you can see similarities in that stage between now and back then. It's nice, it's refreshing and we're all enjoying it. It didn't matter whether it [Solskjaer signing a full-time contract] was last month, this month, next month, end of the season. I think we understand exactly what he wants, what he wants from us and vice-versa and it works.

The players are enjoying their football. It's exciting, we're moving in the right direction. We've got some great footballers here. We want to learn and improve and get better and we will do." United are next in action on Tuesday in the Premier League, as they travel to Wolves.