Dimitar Berbatov welcomed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s appointment - but warned him he is already fighting to keep the job.
Former Manchester United striker Berbatov said the hard work starts now for Solskjaer, with all the pressure that comes with managing the biggest club in the world.
“Getting the job is a brilliant first step, but in many ways the difficult work starts now,” said Berbatov.
“The pressure is going to be huge - Ole will now be fighting to keep the job, rather than get it.
“I heard the argument that United were holding off appointing Solskjaer full-time to keep the players hungry, but there is no way they will take their foot off the pedal - these are top professionals and they have loads to play for.”
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Berbatov, who scored 56 goals for United between 2008 and 2012, also said Solskjaer must challenge for the big prizes next season, having hauled the club out of the gloom left behind by predecessor Jose Mourinho.
“The aim this season will be to get in that top four - and as far as they can in the Champions League of course,” said Berbatov, speaking to Betfair.
“But come next season they need to be targeting the title. This is Manchester United we’re talking about.
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“Ole has had the chance to look at the team this season and he absolutely needs to be fighting for all the big prizes next season.
“Seeing Ole has been given the job full-time was great news to wake up to. I’m very happy for him, it’s fully deserved - he’s done magnificently well and has earned his chance.
“I was glad to see United offered Ole a three-year-deal, it shows they have confidence in him to build for the future. Something like an 18-month contract would have shown a lack of faith.”
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