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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
James Robson

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's Man Utd in-tray: Secure a top-four finish and resolve David De Gea's future

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was officially appointed as Manchester United's new permanent manager on Thursday, ending speculation over the identity of Jose Mourinho's long-term successor.

The Norwegian, 46, got the job after winning 14 of his 19 games in temporary charge across all competitions since being parachuted in from Molde for an initial caretaker stint back in December.

Now he's at the wheel on a full-time basis, Standard Sport takes a look at what lies in Solskjaer's in-tray for the weeks ahead...


Secure a top-four finish

Giving Solskjaer the permanent job now means a top-four finish is more important than ever.

Without Champions League football, can United sign the players Solskjaer needs to mount a title challenge? Outside the elite, Solskjaer’s man-management and ability to motivate the dressing room may only go so far.

Get the best out of Alexis Sanchez

The Chilean has done nothing to justify his £500,000-a-week deal since joining a little more than a year ago.

Solskjaer has got the best out of several stars but if he can’t turn around Sanchez’s fortunes, United may cut their losses on him this summer.

Is Paul Pogba committed to the cause?

Paul Pogba recently admitted that playing under Zinedine Zidane at Real Madrid would be a dream (Getty Images)

He’s been revitalised under Solskjaer but how long will he be around? Pogba has already started flirting with Real Madrid since fellow Frenchman Zinedine Zidane returned as coach.

Resolve David De Gea’s future

The Premier League’s best goalkeeper has been offered a new deal worth £350,000 a week but is waiting to see if United will have Champions League football next season before he decides to sign it.

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