OLE Gunnar Solskjaer has got his eyes on a new goal - to help produce future United heroes.

His coaching role in Sir Alex Ferguson's backroom staff has not yet been signed and sealed but his new football life will definitely start at Carrington.

"It is time to move forward after an emotional and tiring day," the Reds legend said, after his decision to quit when his knee trouble flared again.

"Everything has happened so quickly and I have not had a meeting yet about in what capacity the manager wants me to carry on. But we've had little chats. We have talked about doing some coaching here and that will be great.

"It is a new path and it is still a bit unsure. But we will speak about what will happen. Nothing is set in stone yet but we will find something that is good for both sides. That will happen in the future.

Start

"However, in the first place it is the plan to start my coaching career at United. I will now be on the opposite side of the white line and I'm starting from scratch.

"I need my coaching badges and I will be working towards them. I have always wanted to learn and I have now got a lot of learning to do on the coaching side.

"My education will be done at United and there is no better place to do it. Ultimately, yes, I'd like to stay on and teach someone else here everything I have learned.

"I have been so fortunate to have worked for the best manager in the world and from first day to last I have also worked with some of the best players in the world at Old Trafford.

"I have always tried to take notes and study the gaffer very closely so I have learned from the best," Solskjaer added.

"I have had the best education ever and I want to let others have the benefit of that. Now it's time to teach others.

When you have major operations and you think your career is being taken away from you, you begin to think of ways to stay in football and coaching is what I want to do. I have had it in my mind for a while now.

"Obviously, I wanted to play on but, when the knee blew up again last week and I realised I'd reached the end of the line and I couldn't play at the level I wanted to and what the manager needed for Manchester United, I had an easy decision really and it was time to look forward.

"Once I get my official UEFA badges we will see what happens from there."

Amazing

Solskjaer spoke to M.E.N Sport last night in order to convey his heartfelt gratitude to the support he's received from everyone at Old Trafford.

"The gaffer has been an amazing boss and the medical staff have been brilliant," Ole added.

"They don't get the public praise they deserve but they have been fantastic for me. They helped me a lot.

"The support I have had from the fans through good and bad times has been very touching. It has been a great relationship.

"I think a million people must have been at the Nou Camp in 1999 because that's how many have come up to me in Manchester and shook my hand and talked about the goal!

"During my injury problems I had sackloads of letters from them. That was a very big motivation for me.

"I wasn't able to answer them all but I really was grateful for their support. It's been a fantastic 11 years, I'm privileged to have played at this club."