LONDON - Former Manchester United striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was named as manager of English Premier League strugglers Cardiff City on Thursday and told the fans one of hisimmediate aims was to finish higher than rivals Swansea City.The 40-year-old Norwegian, who earned a place in United’s history by scoring the winning goal in the 1999 Champions League final against Bayern Munich, replaces Scot Malky Mackay who was fired last week.And just as he did as a player, Solskjaer hit the target perfectly when he told a news conference: "I would like us to finish above Swansea, that must be an aim...that will be important for everyone here.”Cardiff are fourth from bottom while Welsh rivals Swansea are four places higher in the table.Solskjaer also discounted suggestions in the British media that former United manager Alex Ferguson had tried to dissuade him from taking the job."Absolute nonsense,” he said. "He has given me his advice and wished me all the best. "It’s a fantastic challenge to be here, it is the right step for me now,” added Solskjaer.