Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has started life in fantastic fashion at Manchester United, winning his opening three games in an attacking style that has lifted the doom and gloom around Old Trafford. While the opposition they he has faced thus far has been less than stellar, he has at least managed to return some sense of optimism to the club.
Despite this, speculation continues to rage on as to who will be given the job on a permanent basis. The Norwegian has indicated his interest in the position, but many expect the club to go with more of an established figure.
According to The Sun, the Manchester United board have drawn up a five-man shortlist of candidates. There is good news for Solskjaer, as his name appears on the list. The other names under consideration are Mauricio Pochettino, Laurent Blanc, Zinedine Zidane, and Marco Rose.
Pochettino is widely considered to be the club's first choice, with the decision to hire an interim manager believed to be motivated by a move for the Argentine in the off-season. They will likely face competition from Real Madrid for his signature, however, and that has led to United considering other options.
Laurent Blanc is a former United player, and has top level managerial experience, having had stints in charge of France and PSG. Zinedine Zidane is fresh off winning three consecutive Champions Leagues with Real Madrid, but he is apparently unconvinced by the United job.
Marco Rose is an interesting name, and would certainly be a more left-field appointment. The 42-year old had a hugely successful first season in charge of Red Bull Salzburg last campaign, winning the Austrian title and leading them to a Europa League semi-final. He is unbeaten so far in the league this season, also winning every game of a Europa League group containing RB Leipzig, Celtic and Rosenburg.
He is one to keep an eye on over the coming months, and another deep run in European competition could make him a real option for United. It does seems to be Pochettino or bust at the moment, however, and Ed Woodward will be highly confident of getting his man at the end of the current campaign.
