Manchester United

What next for Manchester United and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer?

| 28 January 2019

What next for Manchester United and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer?

Norwegian's stunning start as interim manager has led to speculation that he may have a longer-term Old Trafford future.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is already planning for next season at Manchester United, irrespective of whether he will still be at Old Trafford.

Here, Press Association Sport examines the landscape as United continue to deliberate over whether to hand the popular Norwegian the permanent manager's job.

When will Manchester United make a decision on their permanent manager?

Ole is #MUFC through and through! 🔴 pic.twitter.com/MPClYkO82W

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 28, 2019

United appear in no rush to finalise their plans for next season, with Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino the long-running favourite as Jose Mourinho's permanent replacement. The Old Trafford hierarchy appear happy to bide their time in cementing their decision, and the longer United keep on winning under Solskjaer,perhaps the more time they buy themselves for this big call. Pochettino would take some prising away from Spurs on the compensation front, while Solskjaer's eight wins from eight matches has transformed United in both outlook and mood.

What are the terms they agreed with Molde?

Manchester United v Brighton and Hove Albion – Premier League – Old Trafford — Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, pictured, is still contracted to return to Molde in the summer (Martin Rickett/PA)

Solskjaer recently signed a new three-year contract with Molde, and the Norwegian club made it clear from the start that the Old Trafford favourite was only on loan to United. The Norwegian league starts on March 31, while United's Premier League campaign ends on May 12. Molde were happy to lend Solskjaer to United until the end of the season. United would have to renegotiate with the Norwegian outfit should they decide to appoint Solskjaer permanently.

What's been the secret of his success?

"He's got energy," notes Ole when asked about @JesseLingard's fine form. "He's got a steel about him. I'm so pleased for him — his development has been fantastic." #MUFC pic.twitter.com/1cryQVrHVM

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 28, 2019

A return to the lightning-quick counter-attacking style that underpinned much of United's success under Sir Alex Ferguson. Throw in the return of Mike Phelan as a coach behind the scenes too. United hit five goals in a Premier League game for the first time since the final match of the Ferguson era in Solskjaer's debut at the helm, the 5-1 win at Cardiff. When told that statistic, Solskjaer replied: "Since Mick Phelan's last game." Where Paul Pogba appeared lost under former boss Jose Mourinho's rigid plan, now the France star is driving high up the pitch with purpose. Mourinho made it personal with criticism against the likes of Jesse Lingard and Marcus Rashford too. Now that pair are back to their best, attacking with precision and finesse.

Is this the best-ever start by a Premier League manager?

Huddersfield Town v Manchester City – Premier League – John Smith's Stadium — Pep Guardiola, pictured, boasts the best starting run of any Premier League manager (Martin Rickett/PA)

No. Pep Guardiola won his first 10 matches in all competitions after taking the helm at Manchester City in 2016. Solskjaer has claimed a United record however, becoming United's first manager to win his first eight matches at the helm.

What have the players said about him?

Arsenal v Manchester United – FA Cup – Fourth Round – Emirates Stadium — Paul Pogba, left, celebrates United's FA Cup victory at Arsenal (John Walton/PA)

After United prevailed 1-0 at Tottenham, Paul Pogba told Sky Sports: "I'm enjoying playing football. It was difficult in the system (under Mourinho), the tactics we used to play. I like to be more attacking, pressing, playing high." David De Gea's stunning performance sealed United's win at Tottenham, and he later told Sky Sports "This is the real Manchester United" of Solskjaer's revolution. De Gea added: "He brings happiness, the players are playing very well. The team is strong now, very strong. We know how to control the games, how to keep the ball, how to create chances, and that's very good for us."

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