Caretaker manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is working on how Manchester United will look next season, despite his own future being up in the air.
Parachuted into the Old Trafford dugout after the abrupt exit of Jose Mourinho last month, the 1999 treble hero’s work has so far surpassed all expectations.
Friday’s FA Cup win at Arsenal took Solskjaer’s club-record winning start to an eighth match, with each performance seeing odds shorten on him taking the reins permanently.
The Norwegian has edged ahead of long-standing target Mauricio Pochettino, the Tottenham manager, with bookmakers, but he will return to his post as Molde boss in the summer as it stands.
Solskjaer’s short-term focus is not stopping the caretaker boss thinking of the future, though.
“We have quite a few talents in that youth team that you’d like to see, and you probably will see at some point before next season,” he said of United’s up-and-coming talents.
“Because that’s what it is about now, for me as well, to put the club and to put the team in a good position when at the end of the season, how do we look like, what do we look like next season?
“And Mason (Greenwood), Jimmy Garner, Ethan (Laird), there’s quite a few in that reserve team that do well.
“It’s just about the right time.
“We’ve got players now (like) Alexis (Sanchez), Rom (Lukaku), Juan (Mata) who haven’t played so much lately.
“They’re three players you’ve got to jump ahead of as well and they are quality. And we’re here to get results as well.”
When Solskjaer was brought up on the fact he mentioned planning for next season, he said: “Yeah, what Man United are going to look like next season with or without me, it doesn’t really matter because I’m here now as part of that, to prepare the team for next season. But, of course, that means doing well now.”
Solskjaer will look to continue his perfect start at home to Burnley on Tuesday evening, when Chris Smalling could return from a foot complaint that has kept him out for seven weeks.
The midweek Premier League fixtures are followed by the transfer deadline, with captain Antonio Valencia subject of speculation while Matteo Darmian continues to be linked with a return to Italy.
Linked with a move to Italy?
“At the moment I can see everyone staying at the club because no deals have been done with anyone, I think,” Solskjaer said.
“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.”
Andreas Pereira is another subject of interest, with the midfielder’s United contract expiring in the summer, albeit with the option of a further year.
The 23-year-old made his Brazil debut in September but has only made nine club appearances in all competitions, but Solskjaer has no intention to allow him to leave temporarily as he rates the midfielder 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.”
