Gary Neville gives backing to Manchester United caretaker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

Manchester United legend Gary Neville has backed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to 'bring the club together' following his appointment as caretaker manager.

The Red Devils confirmed on Wednesday morning that Solskjaer, who spent eight years at Old Trafford as a player, will take over from sacked Jose Mourinho until the end of the season.

Solskjaer will be joined by first-team coach Mike Phelan in the dugout, while Michael Carrick and Kieran McKenna will stay on from Mourinho's tenure.

Neville hopes that his former teammate can bring some stability back to United after making their worst-ever start to a Premier League campaign, having collected just 26 points from 17 games.

Speaking prior to Solskjaer's appointment becoming official, Neville told Sky Sports News: "I would suggest that the person who goes in for the next six months is someone who can steady the ship.

"[Solskjaer] knows the club, can bring people together, understands the people in the club, the fans, the media and can bring the feel-good factor back.

"He fits that mould, and there's a number of other ex-players who would. At this moment in time, I can see where an interim appointment becomes someone who brings favour and goodwill, and he absolutely would. So would Laurent Blanc or Steve Bruce, as would Michael Carrick.

"They would have to just steady the ship, hold the fort until the end of the season and then Manchester United can go and get what they believe to be the next manager of this football club for the next five to six months."

Mauricio Pochettino and Zinedine Zidane are believed to be the leading contenders to take over at United next summer.