Ole Gunnar Solksjaer has been winning hearts at Manchester United ever since he took over the club after Jose Mourinho was sacked last December. The 46-year-old Norwegian has beaten all expectations as he was brought in as a caretaker manager till the end of the season on loan from Molde FK.
His man management and tactics has seen United achieve massive stability and they are back in the race for a Champions League spot in the Premier League next season. He has averaged 2.59 points per game in the 17 matches he’s been in charge so far. Despite losing the first leg in the round of 16 clash to Paris Saint Germain 2-0 at Old Trafford, the Red Devils pulled on an inspired performance at Parc de Princes last night to win 3-1 by scoring a penalty at injury time to go through to the quarter finals on away goals; a performance which was reminiscent of their glory days under Sir Alex Ferguson
Solksjaer has been instrumental in uplifting the club spirit and has helped in convincing players like Anthony Martial sign a new long term contract at the club within the short time span he has been here at the club. The attack look rejuvenated, Paul Pogba is producing world class performances which justifies his price tag, he has become a fan favourite; this time as a manager.
He has been holding regular meetings with Ed Woodward and has impressed the Glazer family and it is only a matter of time before he gets handed over the job of a permanent manager at the club. He has already started discussing about the proceedings in the squad that are needed next season. He’s in the good eyes of David Gill too, the former chief executive who’s still a board member at the club and is very close to the Glazer family.
Ole has been in close watch of Avram Glazer who attended the match last night in Paris and was present at the post match celebrations in the dressing room. The co-chairman rarely used to travel to watch his team play before but has already attended 4 matches during the reign of Ole. Avram’s first choice was Mauricio Pochettino and he was reportedly prepared to pay the hefty £40m compensation to Tottenham to lure him away to Old Trafford. Solksjaer has now won 14 of the 17 matches he’s been in charge of and it is becoming increasingly impossible for the Glazers and Ed Woodward to look elsewhere for the permanent manager role.
“I am just doing the best I can now and planning with the club for the future,” he said after PSG. “It doesn’t matter if I am here or not, I am still giving my opinion and advice on what we should do next season.”
“I do not really mind that, because I am a supporter, as well. I want the best for Man United. As a supporter you want the best, as a manager you want the best, so you can ask me any advice any time.”
