The Norwegian has inspired a remarkable turnaround at Old Trafford, though he suffered his first defeat against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League last 16 on Tuesday.
But the former United goalkeeper insists not only has Solskjaer helped the team rediscover their identity, but he could see it coming from his time as a player.
“They were holding back in the previous regime,” Van der Sar told AFP. “But with Ole the trademarks of United are there: Youth, enthusiasm, crosses, playing forward, belief.
“They are back. Even when I was there, he was eager.
The fixtures that will decide Solskjaer's future
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“Rene Meulensteen was the assistant and he spoke a lot with Rene and watched the youth sessions. He took a lot of notes, he was busy, already thinking ahead.”
Van der Sar is hoping Ajax can upset Real Madrid in the last 16, with his time with the Dutch giants the last time they beat Los Blancos in 1995.
Goals from Jari Litmanen and Patrick Kluivert were enough on that night.
But now the three-time reigning European champions travel to Amsterdam to take on Erik ten Hag’s uber-talented youngsters, who could be ripped up before they even show signs of their true potential, with Frenkie De Jong already committed to joining Barcelona this summer.
Van der Sar is not naive to believe he can keep this team together, instead challenging this group to achieve greatness and leave as legends.
Van der Sar is now CEO at Ajax (AFP/Getty)
“The video (showed to some of Ajax’s best talents lasts summer) was to say, ‘if you leave, make sure you leave Ajax as a legend. You win a trophy, you have European success.’” Van der Sar said.
“We want to keep this team together but we know the market power of the big clubs and I have been a player as well.”
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