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

FRANCK FIFE / AFP / Getty

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.

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.

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.

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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