Ole Gunnar Solskjaer open to permanent Manchester United job

Manchester United’s interim manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has suggested that he would prefer a permanent deal with the Red Devils once his caretaker role concludes at the end of the campaign. The Norwegian was recruited from Molde on a short-term deal for the season after the Red Devils took the decision to axe Jose Mourinho from the head coach position.

Speaking to reporters, Solskjaer highlighted that he savours the dream of managing United for the long-term but he is nonetheless pleased to have got the opportunity to coach the club for the remainder of the ongoing campaign, he said: “I understand there are so many managers that would love to be manager of Manchester United. I am one of them, but it is not something we have talked about. I didn’t think twice when they called me to sign me as a player and this is an honour and privilege to be helping the club for a few months.”

United found themselves in a rut under the management of ex-boss Jose Mourinho with the defensive performance, in particular, in tatters for most of the Premier League matches this term. Solskjaer may not be able to instantly resolve the problem with the transfer window yet to reopen but he could offer more freedom to the club’s attack front, given he was a winger himself during his playing days.

Meanwhile, the change of management may also witness the return of Paul Pogba to the first-team mix after being an unused substitute during the recent league encounters against Fulham and Liverpool. The Frenchman’s rift with Mourinho unquestionably influenced the latter’s decision to ignore him, but Solskjaer’s presence should return the midfielder to the fray with the possible choice of handing him the leadership duties. Solskjaer’s first United game comes at Cardiff City this weekend – the only previous Premier League club he had managed but struggled.