OLE Gunnar Solskjaer should be the favourite to be named new Manchester United manager next season, according to former club goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel.

The Dane said this was because the Norwegian Solskjaer has restored the club’s “culture and identity” after being put in caretaker charge.

Solskjaer’s impact on a side that was labouring under Jose Mourinho has surpassed expectations with Manchester United unbeaten in 14 domestic fixtures since he took over from the Portuguese in December.

“Solskjaer has put himself as a front-runner (for the permanent role at Manchester United) for sure. He has done incredibly well,” Schmeichel was quoted as saying.

“It’s been really good to have this Manchester United mentality, culture, identity back at the club. You only have to look at the results to see how important that has been.”

Manchester United has earned 29 points in the league since the Norwegian was appointed, more than any other team in that period.

“You can argue it’s a free ride for him because he’s there on a short-term basis and he’s going to be evaluated for the job on a permanent basis,” added Schmeichel.

The Dane had played alongside Solskjaer in the Manchester United team which won the UEFA Champions League, English Premier League and FA Cup in 1999.

“But you know he can go on and he can set his team free, go and attack, go and have fun, commit people forward and try to score goals.”

Fifth-placed Manchester United host Southampton on Saturday.(Reuters/NAN)

– Feb. 28, 2019 @ 18:35 GMT |