Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has signed a new deal which aims to see him at the club until 2024, with an option for a further year.The 48 years old Norwegian and former player at United took over permanently in March 2019, having been put in interim charge when Jose Mourinho departed three months earlier.
Solskjaer said he was elated at signing the new contract and looked forward with optimism.
Solskjer led United to second place in the Premier League last season and the Europa League final, which they lost to Spanish side Villareal in a spectacular penalty shoot out.
“We are more confident than ever that, under Ole’s leadership, we are heading in the right direction,” said United’s executive vice-chairman, Ed Woodward.
“Ole and his staff have worked tirelessly putting the foundations in place for long-term success on the pitch.
“The results of that have become increasingly visible over the past two seasons and we are all looking forward to seeing this exciting team develop further in the years ahead.
“What is especially pleasing is the way this progress has been achieved with a blend of young, homegrown talent and top-class recruits, playing attacking football in the best traditions of Manchester United.”
Solskjaer spent 11 seasons as a United player, scoring the winning goal in the 1999 Champions League final and was fondly referred to as the super sub during his playing time at United.
He became United’s fourth permanent manager since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013 when he signed a three-year contract in March 2019.
Solskjaer led the Old Trafford club to third in his first full season when they also got to the semi-finals of the Europa League before losing to Sevilla.
In the last campaign, United finished 12 points behind champions Manchester City in claiming the runners-up spot, while they were beaten by Villareal on penalties in the Europa League final.
The news of Solskjaer’s new deal follows the confirmation of the club signing England winger Jadon Sancho for £73m from Borussia Dortmund.
“Everyone knows the feeling I have for this club,” said Solskjaer.
“It is an exciting time for Manchester United. We have built a squad with a good balance of youth and experienced players that are hungry for success.
“I have a fantastic coaching team around me and we are all ready to take that next step on our journey.
“Manchester United wants to be winning the biggest and best trophies and that’s what we are all striving for. We have improved, both on and off the pitch, and that will continue over the coming seasons.”
It will be interesting to see how Solskjer will influence the transfer market for Manchester United this summer with Pogba stalling on a new contract and frequent injuries on squad members.
