'OLE'S AT THE WHEEL'
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer appointed permanent Man Utd manager on three-year deal after caretaker stint
Club chiefs have been pleased with how the Norwegian has turned things around after Jose Mourinho was axed
OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER has been appointed as Manchester United's permanent manager.
The Norwegian has agreed a three-year deal at Old Trafford after impressing during his interim spell.
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Sun Sport exclusively revealed back in February that Solskjaer had done enough to convince United chiefs that he was the right man for the job.
As interim boss he was believed to be picking up around £100,000-per-week - somewhat less than the £250,000-a-week Mourinho pocketed during his Old Trafford tenure.
But it was still a whopping £90,400 more than his £9,600-a-week he was earning as Molde boss.
He was brought in from Norway to steady the ship after Jose Mourinho was axed in December, with United looking well off making a top-four place.
But he oversaw a stunning run that saw him unbeaten in ten Premier League games, winning nine.
That took him ahead of Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino in the bookies' betting to bag the job full-time.
The club revealed the news in and tweeted out that "Ole's at the wheel".
This is the job that I always dreamed of doing and I’m beyond excited to have the chance to lead the club long-term
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
Speaking about his good news, the 46-year-old said: "From the first day I arrived, I felt at home at this special club.
“It was an honour to be a Manchester United player, and then to start my coaching career here.
"The last few months have been a fantastic experience and I want to thank all of the coaches, players and staff for the work we’ve done so far.
"This is the job that I always dreamed of doing and I’m beyond excited to have the chance to lead the club long-term and hopefully deliver the continued success that our amazing fans deserve.”
Since taking on the job, Solskjaer has openly admitted he has sought advice from club legend Sir Alex Ferguson.
The Scot, as well as a host of former staff and players expressed their belief that Solskjaer was the right man for the job in the long-term.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reveals how he feels about becoming full time manager of Manchester United
Solskjaer was adamant that he would try and bring the feelgood factor back to Old Trafford, as well as bringing back free-flowing, attacking football.
It has seen the likes of Paul Pogba and Marcus Rashford flourish, afforded the freedom to express themselves on and off the pitch.
French maestro Pogba famously clashed with previous boss Mourinho numerous times over tactics and off-field conduct, and was even stripped of the captaincy.
Ed Woodward, executive vice chairman revealed that the results won him the job.
He said: “Since coming in as caretaker manager in December, the results Ole has delivered speak for themselves.
“More than just performances and results, Ole brings a wealth of experience, both as a player and as a coach, coupled with a desire to give young players their chance and a deep understanding of the culture of the club.
"This all means that he is the right person to take Manchester United forward.
“I want to thank Ole and the coaching team for everything they have done so far and congratulate him on this richly deserved appointment.
"The fans and everyone at the club are behind him as he looks to take us where we need to be and build the next stage of our history.”
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CONTRACTS TO THRASH OUT
Solskjaer played for United between 1996 and 2007, making 366 appearances and scoring 126 goals.
He got his first taste of management at Old Trafford managing the reserve side in 2010 before taking over at Norwegian outfit Molde, where he started his playing career.
Then followed an ill-fated spell as boss at Cardiff in 2014 where he oversaw relegation to the Championship, before he returned back to Molde, where United picked him up from.
Sun Sport previously reported that Manchester United are expected to pay Molde £7.2million in compensation after handing the reins to Solskjaer full-time.
But The Times are reporting that any figure has only recently been agreed.
Molde managing director Oystein Neerland said: "Molde will get compensation but there was no fee agreed beforehand.
"I have had contact with Ed Woodward yesterday and today. Then Ole communicated this to us today"
In succeeding Mourinho, Solskjaer brought in Mike Phelan as his assistant, who of course was Fergie's trusty lieutenant during the glory years.
The club has not revealed whether Phelan has been offered a new deal, with Sun Sport previously reporting how he will return to Australia to coach with the Central Coast Mariners if he isn't taken on.
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But is expected Phelan will stay on as part of Solskjaer's team, as well as other key members of the backroom staff.
And the work will star in earnest now for the United Champions League winner, with contracts for some of the star players set to be discussed.
Negotiations are ongoing to tie down keeper David De Gea to a new deal, while rumours that Barcelona are eyeing a swoops for Marcus Rashford will see the club eager to extend his contract past 2020.
And of course there is the small matter of the mouthwatering Champions League quarter-final clash against Barcelona to prepare for in a couple of weeks too.
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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is getting the Manchester United job because of his mean defence!
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