POCH IN WAY OF OLE MARCH

OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER understands why Mauricio Pochettino is a contender for the Manchester United job.

Caretaker United boss Solskjaer, who has won his first five games in charge, faces his biggest test on Sunday when he takes on Pochettino’s Tottenham.

The Spurs manager is the first choice of the United board to take the job on a permanent basis in the summer, when the Norwegian’s interim spell in charge ends.

And Solskjaer, who has made no secret of his desire to take the job on a full-time basis, admitted he can see why Pochettino is a candidate.

“He’s done a very good job,” he said. “The speculation is there for a reason, because he’s done well.

“But it’s not my job to rate different managers – my focus is on me and my team.”

Solskjaer was speaking last night after United returned from a four-day training camp in Dubai ahead of the clash at Wembley.

He claimed the trip had enabled him and his players to develop an even better understanding for the second half of the campaign and said: “I think every single day and every game will get us closer and closer and we’ll get more of an understanding of how we play.

“There’s always things to work on – relationships, cohesion – so hopefully we’ll see a positive team.”

Solskjaer knows the match against Spurs represents his toughest test yet and identified striker Harry Kane as one of the biggest threats to his 100 per cent record.

“He’s not bad, is he?” he said. “He’s a fantastic goalscorer, one of the best in the world to play up there. Then again I’ve got a couple I’m happy to work with.

“Harry’s a fantastic finisher. He never misses chances really, so let’s make sure he doesn’t get any against us.

“We’re playing one of the best teams in the league, so we have to be aware of their strengths.

“But we need to attack teams, that’s our strength as well. We won’t get as many chances against them, so we’ve got to be ready when we get the ball and use it, because Wembley is a decent-size pitch.”

Solskjaer confirmed United midfielder Paul Pogba – who joined up with the squad late in Dubai after further treatment for a knee injury – is fit.

“He looked okay towards the end, so he’ll be fit,” said Solskjaer. “He did have some problems but came through the last couple of sessions well.”