Ole Gunnar Solskjaer understands why Man Utd want Mauricio Pochettino to replace him
MANCHESTER UNITED manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has praised Mauricio Pochettino and says it is no surprise he has been linked with taking over at Old Trafford.
Posted Friday, January 11, 2019 by Express.co.uk
The Red Devils travel to Wembley on Sunday to take on Tottenham in the Premier League (4.30pm).
Pochettino is the No 1 choice of Old Trafford bosses to become the new manager at the end of the season.
Solskjaer's interim deal will expire in June and, while he is also in the running for the full-time job, the boss concedes Pochettino is a viable candidate.
"He’s done a very good job,” the Manchester United manager said.
"The speculation is there for a reason because he’s done well but it’s not my job to rate different managers. My focus is on me and my team.”
United currently sit 10 points behind Spurs as they look to force their way into the top four.
They have won all five games since Solskjaer has taken charge from the sacked Jose Mourinho.
But there are concerns wins over Cardiff, Huddersfield, Bournemouth, Newcastle and Reading have not fully tested the team.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admits Mauricio Pochettino is a viable candidate for the Man Utd role (Image: GETTY)
Yet Solskjaer insists Tottenham are NOT his first real test as manager of the Red Devils.
"No we’ve had tests," he added.
"Newcastle away was a test, the first game how everyone reacted away to Cardiff was a test, the second game, how crowd would affect is a test.
"You get tested every single game in the Premier League.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could be replaced by Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino in the summer (Image: GETTY)
"But of course this is against a top top side and if we want to get close to them and go past them we will need a good performance and a good result.”
United have been boosted by the news Paul Pogba will be fit for the clash at Wembley.
"He looked okay towards the end so he’ll be fit,” said Solskjaer.
"He did have some problems but came through the last couple of sessions well.”
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has confirmed Paul Pogba will be fit for Man Utd to face Tottenham (Image: GETTY)
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will want his side to keep Harry Kane quiet at the weekend (Image: GETTY)
Solskjaer has also revealed how he will approach the match against Tottenham.
The Norwegian believes the Wembley pitch will provide an obstacle for his side.
He explained: “You always adapt to any opponent, we play one of the best teams in the league, have to be aware of their strengths but we need to attack teams, that’s our strength as well.
"Going forward, attacking both as a team and the way we played, we won’t get as many chances to attack against these as we’ve had before so we’ve got to be ready for when we got hold of the ball and play well with it because Wembley is a decent sized pitch.”
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been getting the best out of Man Utd forward Marcus Rashford (Image: GETTY)
The United boss is pleased that people are recognising his influence since replacing Jose Mourinho.
"I think every single day and every game will get us closer and closer and we’ll get more of an understanding of how we want to play,” he said.
"The past five games haven’t been bad but there’s always things to work on, relationships, cohesion, so hopefully we’ll see a positive team.”
United currently trail fourth-placed Chelsea by six points as they look to make it into the Champions League qualifying places.
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