Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has revealed when he got a text from the club’s chief executive to replace Jose Mourinho as the club’s manager. Solskjaer replaced the Portuguese after United’s dismal start to the season culminated in a 3-1 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield. And a stunning run of one defeat in 17 games – with that loss rendered meaningless after the midweek victory over Paris Saint-Germain – has put the Norwegian in pole position to become the club’s next permanent manager.
Now United are set to hand Solskjaer the keys to the kingdom on a £7.5million-a-year deal, so impressed have club chiefs been with his work since returning to the club. Solskjaer has galvanised his team, making light of recent injuries, and has also shown an aptitude for managing upwards. And speaking to Norwegian podcast Fotballklubben, he revealed how his return to Old Trafford came about.
“Ed Woodward was the one who contacted me about the manager job,” declared Solskjaer. “We have a good relationship and keep in touch every day. We have a great relationship and we talk almost every day.
“He sent me a text first, I never pick up the phone if I don’t recognise the number. “Ed wrote in the text it was him and we talked. “My pulse was elevated, knowing it was him, and knowing what he could be asking.”
With nine straight away wins, including victories at Tottenham , Arsenal , Chelsea and PSG, Solskjaer has left Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino, his only rival for the Old Trafford hot-seat, trailing in his wake. Woodward has stated previously that no formal announcement will be made until the end of the season, but a number of United players have stated recently that it is a certainty he will remain next term.
After the win in Paris, Luke Shaw declared: “We all love Ole and we love the job he’s done so far. I don’t think I need to say much after all these results, it looks certain. “We’re enjoying everything that’s going on at the moment and the results have shown that. “That’s nine away wins in a row now and that shows what Ole and his staff have done. Long may that continue.”