Premier League: Man Utd could appoint Ole Gunnar Solskjaer this week

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could be confirmed as the new permanent manager of Manchester United by the end of the week.

After winning 14 of his 19 matches as United’s caretaker boss the Norwegian, 46, has turned the club’s season around and they are currently fifth in the Premier League table and through to the quarter-finals of the Uefa Champions League.

The Daily Mail reports that the Old Trafford board has been “remaining tight-lipped” about the full-time manager’s position but many United stars want to see Solskjaer and his No.2 Mike Phelan appointed alongside club coaches Michael Carrick and Kieran McKenna.

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Serbian midfielder Nemanja Matic said: “I think he’s a great manager. I will be happy if he stays and I hope he will. But you have to say also that with Mike, Michael and Kieran, they work very well together. It’s not only Ole.”

‘He has been through it all’

In an interview with Sky Sports Swedish defender Victor Lindelof added: “If he gets the job, I will be pleased. It’s not my job to decide in the end, but, of course, I’m very happy with the things that he has done since he’s arrived. I have nothing bad to say about him.

“He’s a legend of the club, so he knows everything about being here as a player. When he speaks to you, you always listen. He knows what he’s talking about because he has been through it all. That’s also a very good thing to have.”

Neville also backs Solskjaer

It’s not just current United players who want to see Solskjaer confirmed as the next permanent boss at Old Trafford.

Earlier this month after the comeback against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League former defender Gary Neville also predicted that the Norwegian would be appointed after the international break.

Quoted by talkSPORT Neville said: “Ole’s results are Premier League-winning title results - the form guide says it all. 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.”

United are back in Premier League action on Saturday 30 March when they host Watford at Old Trafford (3pm).

Upcoming Premier League fixtures and TV guide

Saturday 30 March (3pm unless stated)

• Fulham vs. Manchester City (12.30pm, live on Sky Sports)
• Brighton & Hove Albion vs. Southampton
• Burnley vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers
• Crystal Palace vs. Huddersfield Town
• Leicester City vs. AFC Bournemouth
• Manchester United vs. Watford
• West Ham United vs. Everton (5.30pm, live on BT Sport)

Sunday 31 March

• Cardiff City vs. Chelsea (2.05pm, live on Sky Sports)
• Liverpool vs. Tottenham Hotspur (4.30pm, live on Sky Sports)

Monday 1 April

• Arsenal vs. Newcastle United (8pm, live on Sky Sports)

Tuesday 2 April

• Watford vs. Fulham (7.45pm)
• Wolverhampton Wanderers vs. Manchester United (7.45pm, live on Sky Sports)

Wednesday 3 April

• Chelsea vs. Brighton & Hove Albion (7.45pm)
• Manchester City vs. Cardiff City (7.45pm, live on Sky Sports)
• Tottenham Hotspur vs. Crystal Palace (7.45pm)