Phil Neville heaps praise on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after permanent appointment

Former Manchester United star Phil Neville has praised the qualities of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after he managed to get the permanent head coach role with the Red Devils. The Norwegian was handed with the caretaker position after the sacking of Jose Mourinho in December and he has since transformed the club’s fortunes to the point that the board have rewarded with him with the permanent role on a three-year contract.

Speaking to Hotel Football, Neville expressed the pleasure of watching United under the Norwegian’s tutelage and believes his former teammate has the credentials to the take the club back to their glory days, he said: “I think I just love what he has done so far and what he has brought. It feels like I’m watching Manchester United – a club and a team that is enjoying itself, going for it and playing with the DNA of our football club. I think his press conferences every week are fantastic. He inspires and is carrying and inspiring a set of supporters who need inspiring. Sir Alex used to say to us: ‘Aim for the moon’. Aim for the moon’ and that is what Ole has brought back to the club.”

Earlier this month, Ole helped the Red Devils enter into the top four for the first time since the opening day of the season. However, the success was shortlived after the defeat to Arsenal on the road which has dropped them two points off the Champions League positions. Nonetheless, they remain within reach of their minimum objective and the remaining eight games could decide whether they can retain their Champions League status for next term.

United can of course return to the elite competition by winning the same this campaign, but they are currently regarded as one of the outsiders with Barcelona, Juventus, Manchester City and Liverpool among the favourites to secure the European crown.