£30M.. IT’S AN OLE GOOD DEAL

Solskjaer to get new 3-year contract at Old Trafford, even if Reds come up short in their bid for glory this season

BOSS Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be handed a new £30million deal by Manchester United – even if he fails to win a trophy this season.

The Reds are in the quarter-finals of the Europa League and favourites to win the competition, but Solskjaer’s future is not dependent on claiming that prize

The Old Trafford hierarchy, led by executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward, are convinced the club remains on the right path under the Norwegian.

Solskjaer, 48, who has one year left on his current deal, is set to be awarded a new three-year contract, likely to be two years plus the option of an extra 12 months.

He is likely to see his salary rise from £7.5m to £10m a year, reflecting the progress made since he was put in permanent charge two years ago. United do not want the distraction of Solskjaer entering the final year of his contract with his future unresolved, so the new deal is likely to be confirmed at the end of this season.

Although he could end his second full season in charge without winning anything, United are currently 12 points better off than they were at this stage last season and on course to finish second.

There is a belief at the club that improved results achieved by Solskjaer since taking over from Jose Mourinho in 2018 can continue into the next campaign, when a credible title challenge is expected.

United are gearing up for a big summer in the transfer market to make that push for a longawaited Premier League crown a realistic prospect.

A striker, centre-half and right-winger are their main priorities when the window opens.

The Reds require strong reinforcements if they are to close the gap on their neighbours and runaway leaders Manchester City.

But with a greater depth of talent and consistency of results, Woodward is banking on Solskjaer to lift a first title since 2013, when Sir Alex Ferguson stepped down.