Ole Gunnar Solskjaer: Man United Job Is 'Ultimate Dream'; Talks Summer Transfers

Matt JonesFeatured ColumnistMarch 28, 2019

Manchester United's Norwegian manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer poses with a team jersey during a photo call at Old Trafford in Manchester, northwest England, on March 28, 2019 after it was announced that he was appointed as the clubs full-time manager on a three-year contract. - Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said he was 'beyond excited' to be handed the Manchester United manager's job on a full-time basis as the club announced on Thursday he had signed a three-year deal. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo credit should read OLI SCARFF/AFP/Getty Images)

OLI SCARFF/Getty Images

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has described becoming the permanent manager of Manchester United as his "ultimate dream."

The Red Devils confirmed on Thursday morning that Solskjaer had been appointed on a three-year contract. The former United striker had been drafted in on an interim basis in December until the end of the season, having taken over from Jose Mourinho.

Solskjaer addressed the press on Thursday afternoon, and after being presented as the new full-time boss, he spoke about how proud he was to be in charge at Old Trafford:

Simon Peach @SimonPeach
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. #MUFC manager. “This has been my ultimate dream - this dream has always been in my mind. I’m so honoured & privileged” https://t.co/A9AMmPlXuj

Simon Peach @SimonPeach
Solskjaer: "I am just going to be myself as I've always been. I know the expectations. Of course I want to be successful, to lift trophies. I can't wait to get into the challenge of improving this great group of players... we know there's so much more to come from them" #MUFC

Since taking over at United, the transformation in the team has been remarkable.

Not only has Solskjaer managed to steer the Red Devils back into a battle for fourth position—they sit in fifth ahead of Saturday's clash with Watford, two points behind Arsenal—they are also in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals.

The Norwegian reflected on how far the team has come since his December arrival and, despite the Champions League dream still being alive, he was keen to emphasise how important the Premier League is:

Simon Peach @SimonPeach
Solskjaer: "When I got the job, we were 11 points behind fourth. Now we've given ourselves a great chance to be in the top four, even the top three. The Premier League is vital for us & we've spoken about how to move the club forwards. We will do some business this summer" #MUFC

✨ Watch more top videos, highlights, and B/R original content

Looking ahead to the 2019-20 season, Solskjaer also said the club will be active in the transfer market in the upcoming window:

Sky Sports News @SkySportsNews
"We will do some business this summer" Ole Gunnar Solskjær wants to make his impact at Old Trafford. Watch live on Sky Sports News or follow here: https://t.co/MaDS8Lat2s https://t.co/kT0A5KkooH

He also made it clear he wants the club to secure targets before the start of pre-season:

Simon Peach @SimonPeach
Solskjaer on transfer targets: "There have been so many players written about or player agents that have been in touch with our administration who want to come here. When we decide what we have to do, hopefully we'll get them by pre-season" #MUFC

The Red Devils were at a low ebb when Solskjaer was drafted in. Under Mourinho, they had got off to their worst start to a season in the Premier League era and had been hammered 3-1 by Liverpool at Anfield.

In addition, key players were not performing to their best, and the style of football being served up to supporters was turgid. To his credit, Solskjaer has been able to have a positive impact on all of the aspects.

Having been a key part of Sir Alex Ferguson's great United sides, there is also a connection between the new manager and the supporters.

Solskjaer said his former boss was one of the first people he spoke to after being handed the job:

Simon Stone @sistoney67
OGS confirms he has spoken to Sir Alex Ferguson since appointment: "Was one of my first phone calls after it was decided."

The 46-year-old also paid tribute to the fans, who have rallied behind him since his return to Old Trafford:

Sky Sports News @SkySportsNews
"The supporters have made it unbelievable" Ole Gunnar Solskjær wants to kick on as #MUFC manger to win trophies. Watch live on Sky Sports News or follow here: https://t.co/MaDS8Lat2s https://t.co/dT6JfQFtkV

He added that for as long as he is in the job, he will look to be a positive influence on the players:

Andy Mitten @AndyMitten
"I'll always be myself, I'm not going to change. I'm an optimist. We'll do this together." OGS

In addition, Solskjaer said he is hopeful current assistant manager Mike Phelan will remain part of his coaching staff:

Simon Peach @SimonPeach
Asked Solskjaer about #MUFC's coaching staff. He wants to keep it the same, saying "Mike Phelan is a key part of the set-up"

Having lost their last two matches—to Arsenal in the Premier League and Wolverhampton Wanderers in the FA Cup quarter-finals—the new manager will be desperate to steer the team back to winning ways on Saturday when they host Watford.

Old Trafford is set to be abuzz with renewed hope following Thursday's big announcement, and the supporters will be delighted to have a club icon at the helm for the foreseeable future.

After shining in his short tenure so far, the onus will now be on Solskjaer to make the most of this incredible and unexpected opportunity.