Manchester United

Manchester United: Keith Gillespie understands Ole Gunnar Solskjaer contract decision

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Image for Manchester United: Keith Gillespie understands Ole Gunnar Solskjaer contract decision

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

Yes

No

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.

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