Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been such a breath of fresh air at Manchester United that defender Phil Jones senses the "same buzz" as when Sir Alex Ferguson was manager.

Having superbly steered the ship on a caretaker basis after Jose Mourinho's December sacking, the 1999 treble hero was rewarded on Thursday with a three-year deal.

There was a celebratory atmosphere ahead of Watford's visit to Old Trafford on Saturday, when Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial goals sealed a narrow 2-1 win on an uncomfortable afternoon.

"It's a wonderful place to play football and that's where we want to get back to."

Even Watford goalkeeper Ben Foster can see that United are on the up under a man he saw up close during his time at Old Trafford.

"I am delighted for Ole," he said. "He was actually my reserve manager at United once I'd been bombed out of the first team!

"He was great, though, Ole. I'll always have a really good word to say about him, as will probably anyone who has ever met the guy.

"He's a top bloke and I am sure the lads will enjoy playing for him as well.

"I just saw him on the pitch coming off. It's the first chance I've had to say, 'well done' to him and that I am really happy for him.

"But he just brings a togetherness and I think management nowadays has evolved, where players almost know what they're doing.

"They just need somebody who can really instil confidence and stick an arm around players and tell them that they're doing a good job.

"I think that's what they've been lacking in the last couple of years."

Asked if he had noticed a change in the atmosphere at his former club, Foster said: "Yeah, it just seems a better place, a happier environment and that's what Ole brings.

"When I was playing for him when I was in the reserves here, he was just brilliant.

"Everybody loves playing for him, you go out on the pitch with a smile on your face and a spring in your step."