Manchester United are preparing to announce Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as the club’s new permanent manager and could make it official this week, according to reports.
The Norwegian has enjoyed a sensational reign in caretaker charge of the Red Devils so far, winning 14 of his 19 matches in charge since replacing Jose Mourinho in December – though they did exit the FA Cup at the hands of Wolves in their last outing.
However, that disappointing result has done little to diminish the belief around Old Trafford that Solskjaer is the perfect man to lead the club for the long term.
According to the Daily Mail, United are now so close to confirming Solskjaer as their new full-time manager that an announcement could be made as early this week.
The club’s hierarchy have reportedly already stopped their search for a new manager, telling intermediaries to cease contact with potential targets, and now regard Solskjaer as their one and only candidate.
This week could prove to be the perfect time to install Solskjaer officially, ending any speculation going into the run-in before the season gets back underway after the international break.
United’s players are all backing Solskjaer to get the job permanently and are loving life under the Norwegian’s watch.
He returned to his homeland during the international break to spend time with his family, while assistant Mike Phelan – who is sporting director for Central Coast Mariners – travelled to Australia.
The next big test for Solskjaer comes in just over two weeks when United take on Barcelona in the quarter-final of the Champions League, having already seen off PSG in dramatic fashion.
