United have to give Solskjaer the job after PSG win

On Wednesday night, Manchester United recorded a 3-1 win at PSG in the Champions League last 16 second leg. The victory achieved by a VAR assisted Marcus Rashford penalty kick in stoppage-time saw the Red Devils progress to the quarter-finals on away goals.

Considering the Red Devils headed into the game as major underdogs after a 2-0 defeat in the first leg, going through was a big achievement for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and his team. The triumph seems to confirm that the Norwegian does have the tactical acumen to be United boss on a full-time basis.

Players are playing for Solskjaer

Since his interim appointment, many questions have been asked about if United’s recent improvement has just been a touch of the new manager syndrome.

However, it seems that the Red Devils improvement is not all about Solskjaer being a new boss. The players seem to want to play for the former Red Devils striker and that is half the battle with these pampered players in modern football.

Solskjaer comes across as an affable guy, who knows what Manchester United is all about. He seems to get through to a talented group of players in a way that the often abrasive Jose Mourinho failed to do in his final season with the club.

I am sure if anybody asked the players if Solskjaer should be appointed on a full-time basis the answer would be a resounding yes.

Stats show Solskjaer’s impact

The stats from Solskjaer’s United career so far show just how impressive his short reign has been so far. The Norwegian has won 14 of his 17 games in charge of the Red Devils, suffering just one defeat in the process. In fact, he is still unbeaten in the top-flight as United boss. A win ratio of 82.4% is impressive.

Solskjaer now also holds the record for the best ever start as United boss, as the Norwegian won his first eight games in charge. The previous record stood at five games, achieved by the legendary Sir Matt Busby in 1945.

The former Molde head coach also equalled the Premier League record for winning his first six league games, achieved by Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola and Antonio Conte, during his time at Chelsea.

That is illustrious company to keep for Solskjaer, who has taken his time as Red Devils boss in his stride so far. Whether he would have the same attitude if appointed on a full-time basis is hard to tell. He would certainly be under far more pressure than in his current role.

Solskjaer now hot favourite to become United boss

It seems that the bookmakers believe that Solskjaer will get the job on a full-time basis. Solskjaer is now odds of 1/12 to become United’s next full-time boss. The likes of Mauricio Pochettino, Zinedine Zidane and Carlo Ancelotti are also in the betting, but nowhere near Solskjaer’s odds. It seems that the Norwegian is destined to become the next Manchester United full-time boss.

There are bosses out there with far more experience and who have enjoyed more success in their managerial careers so far. However, there are few who have such an affinity and love as Solskjaer.

The victory at PSG showed that passion is not the only qualities the Norwegian possesses and that he could well be the right boss in the right place at the right time. If Solskjaer continues in his current vein, he will become the next full-time United boss.

Then will come the challenge of maintaining what has been an incredible run of form in recent months. If he can keep the winning momentum going, the Norwegian may be the boss that brings back the glory days to Old Trafford.

Is there now no question now that Manchester United should appoint Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as boss on a full-time basis?