Ole Excited By Chicharito

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer remains one of the most ruthless finishers to have represented United, so comparisons with the Norwegian striker betray the magnitude of Chicharito's early impact at Old Trafford.

Now manager of the Reds' reserve team, Solskjaer is quick to play down stylistic similarities, but appreciates that United's newest signing is blessed with enough attributes to terrorise defenders.

"We're all different," Ole told ManUtd.com. "But Chicharito's come in as a breath of fresh air. You see a player who's hungry to show what he can do. He's a great mover off the ball, his physique is very sharp, he's clever with his runs and his finishing is very good.

"He threatens space in behind defenders, and that's the hardest thing to defend against - players who know when to run, how to time their run and always think about scoring goals. He'll have to link play as well, but the way he moves off the ball gives us an option to play that direct way."

Having scored in four successive pre-season friendlies - including the opening goal against United for Chivas - Chicharito's impact has raised expectations among supporters.

Solskjaer scored on his debut against Blackburn Rovers in 1996, and concedes that first impressions are hugely important in becoming a major player at Old Trafford.

"I came to United halfway through the Norwegian season, so I was lucky enough that I was in top shape, players got injured and I got a chance," said Ole. "Hopefully he'll get a chance and he'll take it.

"Since the World Cup he's probably not had a proper rest, and his mind will have been on making a good first impression - which is very important to do. He's managed that, on and off the pitch. He's a great lad as well. He'll need time to settle in the Premier League, of course, everyone does, but I'm sure the gaffer is looking forward to testing him regularly against Premier League players."