Manchester United is reportedly paying Molde $2.2 million to loan manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer from them until the end of the season, but multiple reports suggest there is also a potential deal lined up if the United legend was to stay on in a permanent role.
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Solskjaer, 45, has only been named caretaker manager after Jose Mourinho was fired on Tuesday, with the former United striker taking training on Thursday. His first game in charge is away at his former club, Cardiff City, on Saturday (Watch live, 12:30 p.m. ET on NBC and online via NBCSports.com).
It has been widely reported that the Red Devils will have to pay Molde $9.1 million in compensation to make Solskjaer their new permanent boss in the summer.
So, if the Norwegian leads United to the top four and they have great runs in the UEFA Champions League and FA Cup and the club want him to stay permanently, there is a deal they can trigger.
Many would say this is a win-win situation for Solskjaer.
He gets to coach the club he loves who have just hit rock bottom and the only way is up. The first five games he has are all extremely winnable and the main aim of appointing Solskjaer is to bring a feel-good factor back to the club. Executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward wants to get the fans back on side after the malaise of Mourinho’s era and appointing a club legend is a good way to do that.
But if Solskjaer actually gets this United team playing to their full potential there will be a tough decision to make.
Mauricio Pochettino is believed to be United’s number one target to become their next permanent manager, but it will be tough to pry him away from Tottenham Hotspur next summer. The best case scenario here for United is that Solskjaer is a roaring success over the next five months and the top coaching candidates are queuing up to replace him.
Then, and only then, should United consider making the inexperienced Solskjaer their permanent manager.
