3 objectives Solskjaer must achieve to obtain a permanent job at Old Trafford

Following a 1-0 victory over Leicester City, Manchester United now occupy the fifth spot in the EPL table - 12 points adrift of their local rivals and leaders, Manchester City. The Red Devils, following a dreadful start to their season under former manager Jose Mourinho, are now back to their usual standards since Norwegian tactician and former player Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has taken the Old Trafford job.

Since his appointment in the late December, the 45-year-old has transformed Manchester United into an unstoppable force to reckon with in the Premier League. With nine wins and a draw in the ten games that he has managed so far, Solskjaer maintains an impressive record at the Old Trafford touchline.

In the past week, Burnley came close to handing the first defeat to the Red Devils since the Norwegian took over, but, two late goals from Paul Pogba and Victor Lindelof sealed a draw for the hosts, saving their unbeaten streak.

Marcus Rashford and Paul Pogba are the two players who've impressed the most under Solskjaer. The latter has been released from his defensive duties and is doing what he loves to do - attack. The Frenchman has contributed to 11 goals in just nine appearances made for the Norwegian's lineup.

The hero of the 1999 UEFA Champions League final has turned Manchester United's fortunes into the good and has brought back the glory days at Old Trafford. However, he hasn't been handed a permanent contract yet. Let's take a look at three things Solskjaer needs to achieve to earn a permanent job at Old Trafford.

#3 Finish within the top four in EPL

Leicester City vs Manchester United

While Manchester United's two infamous rivals Liverpool and Manchester City are fighting for the Premier League title, the Red Devils would do well to secure a place within the top-four spots of the Premier League 2018/19.

Currently, both Tottenham and Chelsea are suffering from poor form. With just 2 points separating the two, Chelsea and Manchester United are fighting for the fourth spot with the Reds edging closer to take over the Blues' position.

Following a dreadful start to the Premier League under Jose Mourinho, a top-four spot would ensure Champions League glory for Solskjaer's men and would mark a laudable achievement for the Norwegian tactician.

#2 Win the FA Cup

Manchester United would thrive to avenge the FA Cup final loss to Chelsea.

With the FA Cup fifth round approaching, Manchester United will take on the Blues to avenge the 2017/18 final defeat. Out of the three trophies the Red Devils are fighting for, the FA Cup seems to have the best odds in Solskjaer's favour.

In the fourth round fixture against Arsenal, Manchester United put on a splendid performance as they sealed their progression in the competition with a 3-1 win over Unai Emery's men, with Alexis Sanchez finding the net against his former club.

With just two more rounds to go before the semi-finals, United are looking into good shape, scoring a lot of goals, defending well, and progressing towards the crucial and latter stages of the season. A FA Cup triumph this season would not only add silverware to Manchester United's trophy cabinet but also increase the possibility of a permanent job for Solskjaer at Old Trafford.

#1 Mount a laudable campaign in the UCL

United will take on PSG in the round of 16 of UCL.

After securing a second spot of the Group H in the UEFA Champions League behind Juventus, Manchester United qualified for the UCL round of 16 under former manager Jose Mourinho.

The Red Devils will be facing Thomas Tuchel's Paris Saint Germain in the knock-out stages of the European competition. Neymar's injury will keep him out of action at least until April, which means that Manchester United's defence needs to deal with one less threat amongst Edinson Cavani, Kylian Mbappe and the Brazilian himself.

Last season, Sevilla ended the Red Devils' UCL journey at Old Trafford in the round of 16. But with a new manager and splendid form to back them, Solskjaer's men are the favorites to get past PSG and mount an impressive campaign further in the competition. A place in the semi-final or final would boost the chances for Solskjaer's appointment on a permanent basis.