Former Manchester United midfielder Keith Gillespie understands the rationale behind why the club are considering handing Ole Gunnar Solskjaer a major new contract.
The Norwegian was initially appointed in December 2018 on an interim basis but he was given the job permanently three months later following a bright start.
Since then, the former Molde boss, who enjoyed a glittering playing career for the Red Devils has not managed to bring a trophy to Old Trafford, falling short at the semi-final stage more often than not.
Despite these failings, Solskjaer is reportedly set to sign a new deal worth £30m whether the club lift a trophy this season or not, according to the Daily Mirror.
Whilst many may question whether another season without major success warrants a new deal, Gillespie, who briefly played for the club in the 1990s, told Transfer Tavern there is a lot to be said for keeping faith in the 48-year-old:
“I suppose they want that continuity.
“When you have somebody like Alex Ferguson, who’s manager for 26 or 27 years, and then within a few years you’ve had Moyes, Van Gaal, Mourinho, and then Solskjaer, there is no continuity there.
“Maybe they want that, I think it’s highly important.”
Does Ole Gunnar Solskjaer deserve a new deal?
Yes
No
This term, Solskjaer has steered the club towards a second-place finish in the Premier League, albeit 14 points adrift of bitter rivals Man City, and a Europa League quarter-final – positions the former striker knows all too well aren’t sufficient for a club of United’s magnitude.
Often, the manager has discussed the progress made during his tenure, but ultimately progress must lead to tangible success.