Ole Gunnar Solskjaer issued a simple message to his Manchester United players after tasting defeat for the first time.

The Norwegian’s unbeaten start as interim manager was ended by Paris Saint-Germain, who won 2-0 at Old Trafford in the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie.

Solskjaer is adamant the first setback of his United reign will not be allowed to derail the dramatic progress made since he succeeded the sacked Jose Mourinho in December.

And ahead of Monday’s FA Cup fifth round clash with Chelsea, he insists he is ready to wield the axe.

“Don’t feel sorry for yourself,” said Solskjaer. “This is something to learn from. It was a level up from what we’re used to.

“That’s part of learning when you’re young. Many of our players are very young.

“It was the first time Jesse Lingard and Marcus Rashford will play a proper Champions League game at Old Trafford. Learn from that. Move forward.

“We have Chelsea and Liverpool in the next two games. Whoever feels sorry for themselves will not play probably.”

Despite a chastening defeat, with Solskjaer admitting PSG were a step too far – even after a run of 10 wins from 11 games.

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“We’ve got the question about a reality check and of course it’s a reality check,” he added. “You can see the strength they have when they put those players in. That’s the level we want to get to.

“We know and we are looking to strengthen the squad. There’s so many young players we have who can step forward for next season.

“Today we weren’t at their level. This is a level up from what we’ve played against, the games we’ve had.

“We had a great run. We came into the game in a great frame of mind and great form, but of course it was a big step up. They have quality from the ’keeper to the striker.

“There is a reason why they are favourites for the Champions League. That’s the level we need to aim for.

“We’ve been talking about top four but we we want to be at the top. Man United should be at the top. This is a tough team we played against. Our players are disappointed of course but they know we need to step up our level to get to the level we want to get to.”

View photos Solskjaer confident his stars will bounce back. (REUTERS) More

But Solskjaer insists United will continue to progress under him.

“At this club we bounce back, we have to bounce back,” he said. “We’re in the Champions League, it is always going to be difficult whoever we play.

“Our bread and butter is the league, FA Cup against Chelsea. There’s so many games to play.

“I’m not afraid. I’ve seen the reaction, they’re disappointed, but there’s determination and desire there to put this right.

“When we go to Paris. It’s a difficult mountain to climb but not impossible. If we get to half time with a 1-0 lead, that’s what we’re going to look for.”