Premier League 2018-19: What makes Ole Gunnar Solskjaer the best candidate to become Manchester United's permanent manager?

December 2018

"You are like a person with a flu, with a virus in a closed room - you pass that virus to the others," Jose Mourinho said at the start of the month.

It would be a 'miracle' if Manchester United finished in the top four this season, he told Brazilian outlet RedeTV.

These were the talks around Old Trafford two months back. A top four finish looked seemingly impossible with Chelsea (4th in the EPL table then) 11 points clear of Manchester United (6th in the table).

February 2019

Enter Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and within 3 minutes, Manchester United were up and running with a Rashford set-piece. After an inexplicable run of two months, United now sit at 4th in the table.

It's been a stunning turnaround, and an indication that Solskjaer should be handed the permanent job. There are numerous reasons for that.

Culture - Solskjaer understands the Man United culture since he has been here as a player and as a coach too. He brings in that belief which was missing since the days of Sir Alex Ferguson. We are Man United. We believe we can beat anybody.

Tactics - With Lingard and Martial unavailable in the FA cup 5th round win against Chelsea, Solskjaer opted for a 4-4-2 diamond formation with Lukaku and Rashford upfront. That proved to be decisive in the outcome, and was just the latest example of his sound tactical mind.

Freedom - Solskjaer has brought out the best in the players by playing them to their strengths. He made Rashford his primary choice upfront as compared to Lukaku under Jose, and Rashford has been a revelation. He also gave full freedom to Pogba, who has already been involved in 15 goals in the 12 games that he has played.

If reports are to be believed, Solskjaer is set to be handed the permanent job. The decision will only be announced by the end of the season, but the management would be well-served to stick with the Norwegian.