Nothing will be official until after the season, but if you’re reading the Manchester United managerial search tea leaves, all of them say the same thing. This weekend brought the strongest signal yet that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will see the interim portion of his job title removed at the end of the season, with the Norwegian taking part in a marketing video for the club’s 2019-20 season.
“I have done a video shoot. I am pleading for the fans to get their season tickets,” Solskjaer said.
“It wasn’t strange doing it but if my kids see a commercial with me in it and I’m back home in Norway, that will be strange. Everyone knows I’d like to stay of course, but that’s not decided until the end of the season. But if it’s me as a supporter or manager they should still buy their season tickets because the club is going somewhere.”
We have to strongly agree with Solskjaer there- it would be very strange to see him in a video promo next season, and yet not on the touchline.
Additionally, ESPN had a report two days ago stating that the 46-year-old is the sole candidate to get the gig next season. According to the article, United have not reached out to contact any other candidates about the job at this time.
Also, the bookmakers have Solskjaer a strong favorite to land the job, with much more favorable odds than Mauricio Pochettino, Max Allegri, Zinedine Zidane, or anybody else.
Forward Anthony Martial has publicly supported the appointment of Solskjaer in the long term, with the Frenchman making remarks indicating the players would be in favor of the idea.
Manchester United vs Southampton FC FYIs
Kick-off: Saturday March 2, Old Trafford, 3pm (BST), 9am (CST)
United Starting XI Prediction: go to this link
Injury Report for both sides: go to this link
Odds via Odds Checker: United 1/2, Draw 7/2, Southampton 15/2
Google Result Probability: Manchester United win 65%, Draw 21%, Southampton win 14%
Prediction: United 2, Southampton 0
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net, which is partnered with News Now. Banks, a former writer for NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com, regularly appears as a guest pundit on WGN CLTV and co-hosts the “Let’s Get Weird, Sports” podcast on SB Nation.
He also contributes sociopolitical essays to Chicago Now. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram. The content of his cat’s Instagram account is unquestionably superior to his.