Key details: Solskjaer agrees new Man United contract
Premier League
By
Mirror
| Mar 26, 2021
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be handed a new £30million deal by Manchester United – even if he fails to win a trophy this season.
United are in the quarter-finals of the Europa League and favourites to win it, but Solskjaer's future is not dependent on lifting the trophy.
The Old Trafford hierarchy, led by executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward, are convinced United remain on the right path under Solskjaer.
Solskjaer, 48, who has one year left on his current deal, is set to be awarded a new three-year contract, likely to be two years plus the option of an extra one.
Under the terms of the new deal, Solskjaer is likely to see his salary rise from £7.5million to £10m-a-year, to reflect the progress made under him since being put in permanent charge almost two years ago to the day.
United do not want the distraction of Solskjaer entering the final year of his contract with his future unresolved, so the new deal is likely to be confirmed at the end of this season.
Although Solskjaer could end his second full season in charge without winning anything, United are currently 12 points better off than they were at this stage last season and on course to finish second.
There is a belief at the club that the progress made by Solskjaer, since taking over from Jose Mourinho in 2018, has continued this term, with the club expecting to make a credible title challenge next season.
United are gearing up for a big summer in the transfer market to make that title challenge a realistic prospect, with a centre-forward, centre-half and right-winger their main priorities when the window opens.
Although United have lacked the consistency to make a sustained title challenge this season, there is a belief at the club that with some strategic signings this summer, Solskjaer can push for a first Premier League crown since 2013, when Sir Alex Ferguson stepped down.