Solskjaer tipped for United’s caretaker role

OLE Gunnar Solskjaer appears destined to be announced as interim manager at Manchester United after a tweet from Norway’s prime minister and a page on the club’s official website all but confirmed the news.

A tweet sent by the official account of Erna Solberg, and directed to Molde manager Solskjaer’s Twitter handle, late Tuesday read: “Great day for Norwegian football. Good luck keeping control of the Red Devils.” United haven’t made an official announcement on who would replace sacked manager Jose Mourinho but a page on the club’s website suggests Solskjaer’s arrival, on a short-term basis, is a done deal.

Under a video of Solskjaer celebrating after scoring the winning goal for United in the 1999 Champions League final, a post read: “Solskjaer becomes our interim manager, 20 seasons after clinching the Treble with THAT goal at Camp Nou...” Both the tweet and video were quickly removed.

United called time on Mourinho’s reign on Tuesday morning.

“Manchester United announces that manager Jose Mourinho has left the club with immediate effect...” a club statement read. “A new caretaker manager will be appointed until the end of the current season, while the club conducts a thorough recruitment process.” Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino is believed to be the ongoing target.

Appointed to much fanfare in the summer of 2016, Mourinho became the first manager in the club’s history to win a major trophy in his maiden season. His Europa League, EFL Cup and Community Shield successes were followed by runners-up finishes in the Premier League and FA Cup last term but season three has been a disaster.