Manchester United: Ed Woodward reveals three reasons that led to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer appointment

United’s executive vice-chairman has appointed Solskjaer on a permanent basis until 2022 after he won 14 of his 19 matches in charge since replacing Jose Mourinho

Jack de Menezes
Thursday 28 March 2019 10:41 GMT
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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer named permanent Manchester United manager

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Ed Woodward has revealed the three key reasons behind the decision to appoint Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as the permanent manager of Manchester United.

The club confirmed on Thursday that Solskjaer has signed a three-year contract to remain at Old Trafford after impressing since he took charge of the side in December, following the dismissal of Jose Mourinho.

The Norwegian, who made 366 appearances during an 11-year career as a United player, returned to the club as caretaker manager on 19 December to replace Mourinho, who had very much lost the dressing room and had seen results take a significant downturn before he was sacked.

With Solskjaer turning United’s season around with an immediate 11-match unbeaten run and winning 14 of his 19 games in charge, the decision was taken during the international break to appoint him on a full-time basis until the end of the 2021/22 season.

And Woodward, who is the club’s executive vice-chairman and the man who fired Mourinho three months ago, revealed that the results were only part of the reason for offering Solskjaer the long-term contract.

“Since coming in as caretaker manager in December, the results Ole has delivered speak for themselves,” Woodward said.

But he also explain how two other key factors played a part in his and the board’s decision, namely his own experience both on and off the field and the success he has had in developing young players since taking the reins.

“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,” added Woodward. “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.”

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been named Manchester United manager until 2022
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been named Manchester United manager until 2022 (Reuters)

Solskjaer’s contract with Norwegian side Molde – who initially agreed to loan him to United – officially ended earlier this year, which left the 46-year-old free to discuss terms with a club that holds a place close to his heart.

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