Manchester United insist it was a case of 'the sooner, the better' Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was Ole Gunnar Solskjaer appointed Manchester United manager
Senior club sources have told the MEN Solskjaer only signed his three-year full-time contract at the club's Carrington training complex on Thursday morning, two days after the March internationals had ended. Supporters speculated there could be an announcement during the international break but it is understood United were still finalising Solskjaer's deal last week when the first raft of international fixtures took place.
United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward formally told Solskjaer last week the club wanted to make him full-time coach and the deal was concluded on earlier this week. The MEN revealed United players were informed of the club's decision to appoint Solskjaer on a full-time basis on Wednesday in a strategy that was identical to Solskjaer's caretaker appointment in December, when the United squad was told the evening before a 9am press release.
A United source said Solskjaer had won the club hierarchy over with a 'unique job interview'.
"The way he's conducted himself and connected to the culture of the club, his man-management, his whole approach, it was a unique job interview," the source said.
Solskjaer said: "From the first day I arrived, I felt at home at this special club. It was an honour to be a Manchester United player, and then to start my coaching career here.
"The last few months have been a fantastic experience and I want to thank all of the coaches, players and staff for the work we’ve done so far. This is the job that I always dreamed of doing and I’m beyond excited to have the chance to lead the club long-term and hopefully deliver the continued success that our amazing fans deserve."
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer appointed Manchester United manager
Woodward added: "Since coming in as Caretaker Manager in December, the results Ole has delivered speak for themselves.
"More than just performances and results, Ole brings a wealth of experience, both as a player and as a coach, coupled with a desire to give young players their chance and a deep understanding of the culture of the club. This all means that he is the right person to take Manchester United forward.
"I want to thank Ole and the coaching team for everything they have done so far and congratulate him on this richly deserved appointment. The fans and everyone at the club are behind him as he looks to take us where we need to be and build the next stage of our history."
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