Manchester United are reportedly set to show faith in manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer with an improved £9 million-a-year contract, amid signs of steady progression at Old Trafford.
The Norwegian originally took the club on an interim basis back in December 2018 following the sacking of Jose Mourinho, before a stellar run of form over the next few months – including that dramatic win over Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League – earned him the position on a permanent basis.
After a disappointing start to last season, the Red Devils ended the campaign strongly, finishing in an impressive third-place, as well as reaching three cup semi-finals, with clear signs that they were heading in the right direction.
Following another slow opening to the season this term, Manchester United have been fairly consistent, having lost just once in the Premier League since the start of November and still well-placed to compete for trophies this season.
While Manchester City’s dominance has ended any hopes of a first title in eight years, United are on course to finish second for only the second time since 2012, with the Mirror reporting that Solskjaer is set to be rewarded for such progress with an improved £9m a year contract.
With the former Molde boss having only a year left on his existing deal, it is likely that a new contract will be agreed in the coming weeks and will be an upgrade on his current £7m-a-year deal.
This news comes after a week that saw a structural shake-up at Old Trafford, with former midfielder Darren Fletcher appointed as the club’s new technical director, while John Murtough has stepped up to become football director, having previously been the head of football development.
That new structure is not likely to have impacted Solskjaer’s current power at the club, with the 48-year-old still set to be heavily involved in transfer dealings.
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