Oldham Athletic boss Paul Scholes isn't surprised to see Manchester United players responding to caretaker manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Scholes, an outspoken critic of Jose Mourinho during his time at the helm, is not surprised by the upturn in fortune under his old pal.

"I always knew there was talent in that squad," he said. "I think everyone did. Ole's come in with a smile on his face, put his arm around the players – there so much talent in that team he's given them freedom and you've seen the results."

Solskjaer has been credited with overseeing a return to Sir Alex Ferguson's regime, in which United were often known for an exciting, attacking brand of football. But Scholes believes the similarities start and end on the pitch.

"Has Ole got that aggression the manager had?" he said. "I don't think anyone has that aggression the manager had in his pomp! But in the way he wants his team to play definitely.

"Ole knows United, he knows what is needed, the way fans want them to play, the way the people want them to play, the way staff want to play. Ultimately Sir Alex created all that and Ole will try and keep all that alive."