Manchester United: The five problems Ole Gunnar Solskjaer must solve after being named permanent manager

The Norwegian has convinced the United hierarchy that he was the ideal candidate to succeed Jose Mourinho

After months of deliberation, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has finally been named as permanent Manchester United manager.

The Norwegian has won 14 of his 19 games in charge at the club and convinced Ed Woodward and the United hierarchy that he was the ideal candidate to succeed Jose Mourinho.

The squad also threw their weight behind the manager, with Paul Pogba and Marcus Rashford highlighting their joy and renewed freedom since Solskjaer was appointed from Molde.

However, with Pogba teasing rumours of Real Madrid and David De Gea still wrangling over a contract saga, there are still a number of problems the manager will need to tackle in time.

Here are the five biggest issues Solskjaer must solve.

Stick or twist with Sanchez

What to do with Alexis Sanchez? The Chile forward has flopped at Old Trafford since becoming the club’s highest-paid player in January 2018. The performance levels of every other United player have soared under Solskjaer, who has admitted only Sanchez himself holds the answers. Two goals in 23 appearances this season is a pitiful return for a reported annual salary of £14million. If Solskjaer can work his magic on the player, he would have one of the world’s best at his disposal, but if not he must move him on.

De Gea future a Real priority

Spain goalkeeper De Gea’s contract with United expires in the summer of 2020 and his representatives are currently locked in talks with the club over a possible new deal. It has been reported that the goalkeeper wants to increase his £200,000-a-week wages to £500,000 to stay in the Premier League and Real Madrid would surely meet his demands. Solskjaer must do all he can to keep De Gea by persuading him and the United hierarchy that the future of one of the world’s best stoppers lies at Old Trafford.

United are still wrangling over a new contract for the Spaniard (Getty) (Getty Images)

Easy does it with Pogba

Pogba is another prized asset that Solskjaer must keep happy. The enigmatic France international is a proven game-changer and has thrived under the Norwegian and his assistant Mike Phelan. Give Pogba his lead in a settled environment and in return he will produce world-class performances, but weigh him down with off-the-ball responsibilities and he will lose his glow. Solskjaer must continue to keep him at the heart of the United family, show him the love and play him in a role he relishes.

Time for a clear-out

Solskjaer’s permanent appointment could signal the departure of several fringe players, who have failed to establish themselves as first-team regulars under him. The United boss will undoubtedly want to make room for new arrivals in the summer and the likes of Antonio Valencia, Matteo Darmian and Marcos Rojo may all be nearing the end of their Old Trafford careers. Eric Bailly is another whose future could be in doubt, especially since Chris Smalling and Phil Jones both recently signed new contracts.

Antonio Valencia will leave the club after 10 years this summer (Getty)

Recruit players made of ‘right stuff’

Solskjaer’s quest to reinstate the club as genuine Premier League title challengers would be given a massive boost with a couple of blue riband summer signings. United fans have for years debated that only a player with certain characteristics can become a crowd favourite at Old Trafford, while the feelgood factor generated by such a signing can never be underestimated. Sanchez’s ill-fated spell at the club has cranked up the pressure – Solskjaer and his backroom team have to get their recruitment right.

(Additional reporting by PA)