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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Sport
Mark Critchley

Manchester United next manager: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer preparing side for next season regardless of his future

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is preparing Manchester United for next season, whether he remains in charge at Old Trafford or not.

Solskjaer has won all of his first eight games in charge since becoming caretaker manager last month.

The Norwegian's prospects of earning the permanent job have greatly increased thanks to his excellent start, though he remains set to return to 'parent club' Molde in May.

Ahead of Burnley's visit to Old Trafford on Tuesday night, Solskjaer admitted that he is managing the club with next season in mind.

The United caretaker hopes to blood some of the club's youth talents into the team during the remainder of the season.

"We have quite a few talents in that youth team that you'd like to see and you probably will see at some point before next season," he said.

"That's what it's about now for me: to put the club and team in a good position at the end of the season. What do we look like next season?

"Mason [Greenwood], Jimmy Garner, Ethan [Laird], there's quite a few in that reserve team who do well.

"It's just about the right time. We've got players now - Alexis, Rom, Juan - who haven't played so much lately. They're three players you have to jump ahead of."

When asked to clarify whether he was making plans to be in charge next year, Solskjaer said: "What Man United are going to look like next season, with or without me.

Solskjaer is preparing United for 2019/20 despite not knowing if he'll be in charge (Getty)

"It doesn't really matter. I'm here now as part of that, to prepare the team for next season."

Keep up to date with all the latest transfer news, rumours and done deals throughout the January window​

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