SportReport: Solskjaer discussing taking United job on full-time basis

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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer held talks with the Glazer family and Manchester United board last week regarding the full-time managerial position at Old Trafford, according to The Independent's Miguel Delaney.

The former striker was viewed as a temporary hire when he succeeded Jose Mourinho in December. Now, a run of 10 wins and one draw has apparently led some important figures at the club to view an end-of-season appointment to a full-time role as "almost inevitable."

Discussions have reportedly progressed to the point that Solskjaer has drawn up summer transfer targets, and he's looking for houses in the northwest.

Solskjaer keen to quickly turn Man U into title contenders

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has conceded defeat in chasing down Manchester City and Liverpool for the Premier League title race this season.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has arrived at Manchester United as he meets the players and oversees his first training session since taking over as interim manager. Ex-Manchester United defender Jaap Stam says that Mauricio Pochettino should be the man the Red Devils turn to on a full - time basis once Ole

After turning United 's fortunes around, many fans and pundits alike have suggested that the club legend should take charge on a full - time basis . STANDING IN THE WAY Before taking over from Mourinho, Solskjaer was managing Molde FK back in his home country - and he's actually under

In addition to United's march into the top four under Solskjaer, members of the team's hierarchy are said to be impressed with the way he has rejuvenated some expensive signings. Paul Pogba and Anthony Martial were performing below their best and marginalized during Mourinho's tenure, but with Solskjaer in charge they're playing with freedom and gradually justifying their fees.

Anthony Martial on difference between then and now: "We have got a coach who has different intentions and we are trying to do what we asks. Perhaps it is easier to play this style of football and not the style of football he (Mourinho) asked."

— Simon Stone (@sistoney67) February 11, 2019

The overall improved morale around the club and positive reception in the media are also helping Solskjaer's case for the permanent gig. The Norwegian's partnership with assistant Mike Phelan - with the former focusing on match preparation, while the latter spends most of his time on training - is believed to be a crucial factor in United's recent success.

Martial gem lifts resurgent United into fourth place

Manchester United swept into fourth place in the Premier League as Anthony Martial's sublime strike inspired their 3-0 win over struggling Fulham on Saturday. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side took the lead through Paul Pogba's clinical finish early in the first half at Craven Cottage. BOX SCORE: MANCHESTER UNITED 3, FULHAM 0 But it was Martial who stole the show as the winger raced over half the length of the pitch before finishing emphatically to double United's lead before half-time.

Ex-Red Devils previously claimed even himself could've produced a similar effect on Man United as Solskajer did. Now Ince seems to be more of in favour of the Norwegian taking over at United , however

Solskjaer takes Man Utd job - Reaction. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer named Man Utd caretaker boss. Mike Phelan returns as first-team coach. The Times chief football correspondent Oliver Kay believes that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will deliver an immediate improvement in Manchester United 's form.

There's also a reported acceptance that trying to land Mauricio Pochettino as manager would be tricky. To enter negotiations and then lever the Argentinian tactician from his Tottenham Hotspur contract would cost around £50 million, and then Pochettino would likely require time and funds to build a team in his image.

Overall, Solskjaer is seen as a lower-risk appointment than Pochettino, Delaney notes.

The next two months are crucial for United. Their next three matches are against Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, and Liverpool. Then, in three consecutive matches during March, they compete in the second leg with PSG and take on Arsenal and Manchester City in the Premier League.

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