United have not won the title since Ferguson’s last season in 2012-13 and Solskjaer is the first manager to secure back-to-back top-four finishes in the league since the Scot retired. United are currently second in the league and through to the Europa League final.
“Even as a young reserve, even when he was on the bench… he would take notes of the training sessions. He had a will that he wanted to be a manager, and at a club like Manchester United, it’s a result industry, without question.
“If you don’t get results there’s questions to be asked. He is getting the results, he really has done very well. And what is really important for this club is to introduce young people, and he’s given young players a chance.
“That will always be the foundation of Manchester United, from Matt Busby, from Alex Ferguson and to what Ole is doing, the young guys, if they are good enough, play them. Never a problem at this club.”
England international Rashford, 23, has used his platform to campaign for the provision of free school meals in England during holidays and other support to low-income families, prompting major changes in government policy.
“When he did what he did I phoned him right away,” said Ferguson. “And I thought what he was doing is an example for a young person to give to all the rest of them in this industry, which most of the top players are doing very well.
“For Rashford to do we he did, for a young person, I was so proud of him, I really was. I think everyone was and he’s not got carried away with himself. He’s still trying to do an honest job as you would expect from him.”