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Football

07th Mar 2019

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could be appointed permanent manager sooner than you think

This would be welcome news for Manchester United fans

Darragh Murphy

Why wait until the summer?

While he remains coy on the subject, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer must know that he is destined to be offered the permanent Manchester United job after an incredible turnaround since taking over from Jose Mourinho before Christmas.

Solskjaer’s only defeat since taking charge at his former club came against Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of their Champions League Round of 16 tie but he turned that around and then some on Wednesday night, when United made history by becoming the first side to overturn a 2-0 home deficit in a Champions League knockout game.

A late Marcus Rashford penalty at the Parc des Princes secured a win for the Red Devils on away goals, when few expected Solskjaer to be able to mastermind such a comeback.

Gary Neville spoke for United supporters everywhere with his three questions for Solskjaer after the match and the legendary United right-back, who has several connections at his former club, expects his ex-teammate to be named permanent United manager before the month is out.

“The form guide says it all,” Neville told Norwegian broadcaster Viasport. “I’ll be surprised if Solskjaer is not awarded the job during the international break [in March].

“I can’t believe what’s happened. I thought when he first came in it was to reconnect the club with fans … someone who the club could rely on to give information to the board and then they would appoint the best manager in the world.

“The performances are very good. The fans are loving it. It’s been a sensational three months and I think Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will get given the job.

“He’ll probably be the King of Norway, the President of Norway, the Prime Minister of Norway as well!”