Ed Woodward has dropped the biggest hint yet that Manchester United will keep faith in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
The Norwegian returned to Old Trafford last season as he initially took temporary charge of the first-team after Jose Mourinho was sacked shortly before Christmas.
An up-turn in results over the festive period saw calls for Solskjaer to get the job on a permanent basis.
And those calls couldn't be ignored following a miraculous comeback in the Champions League round of 16 stage against Paris Saint-German and Solskjaer was subsequently rewarded by being appointed as head coach last March on a three-year-deal.
However, there has been a downturn in results since this decision was made.
As a result, the Red Devils have long been linked with appointing Mauricio Pochettino - a free agent following his departure from Tottenham Hotspur earlier in the season - should they opt to part company with Solskjaer.
But it would appear that United are sticking by the club legend as executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward has hinted at planning for next season with the Norwegian at the helm.
"Our recruitment process focuses on analysis and selection of players over the course of a season, with a view to the following summer transfer window," Woodward said at a fans' forum. "As part of the rebuild we see this coming summer as an important opportunity.
"There has been no shortage of investment in players over the past few years, with over £200million spent since Ole became manager. Our aim is to ensure that we continue to achieve consistency in quality of recruitment.
"The recruitment department is working to a clear plan and philosophy, along with Ole and his coaching staff.
"Our focus is on bringing in a combination of experience and the best young players with potential to develop further, fusing graduates from our academy with high-quality acquisitions."
What this means for Pochettino remains to be seen, but the Argentine has recently said he would like to manage in England or Spain when he does return to the dugout.
"England and Spain are the two best leagues in the world," he said.
"I am never going to be manager of Barcelona or Arsenal," he previously stated. "That is my decision - I prefer to work on my farm in Argentina than in some places."
