Solskjaer boosts Pochettino’s credentials for Manchester United job

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has conceded he understands why Mauricio Pochettino is a top candidate to become Manchester United’s next permanent manager due to his fine work at Tottenham.

Solskjaer was placed in caretaker charge of United until the end of the season following the shock dismissal of Jose Mourinho before Christmas.

The 45-year-old has made no secret of his desire to hold on to the job beyond the current campaign but is unlikely to appointed on a full-time basis unless he enjoys a remarkable campaign.

Solskjaer has won his opening five matches in charge of United but faces his toughest test yet when he takes the Red Devils to Wembley on Sunday to face Pochettino’s Tottenham.

Matches between United and Tottenham rarely ever need any extra spice but the battle between Solskjaer and Pochettino is fascinating and the former admits it’s no surprise why his counterpart is favoured for the job next season.

“He has done a very good job,” Sky Sports quote Solskjaer as saying in the build up to this weekend’s match. “That speculation is there for a reason because he has done well.”

Full match preview, including team news and probable XIs

United currently trail Tottenham by 10 points in the table but Solskjaer is bidding to become the first manager in the club’s history to win their opening six matches in charge of the club.

Tottenham, meanwhile, are unbeaten in their last six home league matches against United and the Red Devils have failed to score in three of the last four of those fixtures.