Manchester United caretaker manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reveals he is ‘preparing for next season’
Red Devils legend Solskjaer is being tipped to be named the club's permanent manager after winning each of his opening eight matches in charge
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has revealed he is 'preparing for next season' as rumours continue to suggest he will be named Manchester United's next permanent manager.
Solskjaer has guided United to victory in all eight matches since he was appointed the club's caretaker boss last month, succeeding Jose Mourinho in the Old Trafford hot seat.
The Norwegian has made it clear he would love to remain in the job beyond the end of the season, and members of his squad are believed to be keen on Solskjaer being handed the reins on a full-time basis.
Mauricio Pochettino, the Tottenham manager, remains a prime target for United chiefs, who will not be rushed into making a decision simply due to the club's excellent form under Solskjaer.
Despite his future at Old Trafford remaining uncertain, Solskjaer is already putting in the work that will benefit the Red Devils next season.
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He admitted he is preparing the club for the future, regardless of whether he will be in charge or not.
"What Manchester United are going to look like next season, with or without me, it doesn't matter," Solskjaer told a press conference.
"I'm here to prepare for next season."
Though January signings are unlikely to be made under the caretaker boss, he does intend to bolster United's first-team squad with some of the club's most highly-rated youth prospects.
Solskjaer continued: "We have quite a few talents in that youth team that you'd like to see and will see at some point before next season, to put the club and team in a good position at the end of the season and how will we look like next season.
"It's just about the right time. We've got Alexis Sanchez, Juan Mata and Romelu Lukaku, who haven't played so much lately, so they're three players you have to jump ahead of."
And Solskjaer is not expecting any United exits before Thursday's transfer deadline.
Antonio Valencia, Andreas Pereira and Matteo Darmian are among those linked with a move.
But Solskjaer said: "At the moment I can see everyone staying at the club because no deals have been done with anyone, I think.
"But then again there are still a few more days, but I'm not too involved in the negotiations.
"So whatever happens, happens, but it'll be good to get the window closed so we can just focus on matters, the squad and improving the ones who stay here."
Pereira's's United contract expires in the summer, albeit with the option of a further year, and speculation about the midfielder has regularly cropped up during the season.
The 23-year-old was handed his Brazil debut in September but has only made nine club appearances in all competitions.
Yet Solskjaer has no intention of allowing him to leave temporarily as he rates him highly.
"No, I can't see him going out on loan because Andreas has done fantastic in training ever since I've come back," the Norwegian said.
"I've kept in touch with Warren (Joyce), who had him in the reserves.
"I've known about Andreas from before and he's a player that you could see play quite a few games for us towards the end of the season."