Ole Gunnar Solskjaer ‘must have put himself in pole position’ for the permanent Manchester United job after his remarkable start as manager.
That’s according to former United captain Steve Bruce, who believes the in-form Red Devils are now a shoo-in for a top four finish.
Old Trafford hero Solskjaer has transformed the club’s fortunes since taking over from Jose Mourinho in December, guiding United to nine wins and a draw from ten games in charge.
The likes of Paul Pogba, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial – all criticised by Mourinho – are performing and the gloom that was left by their former boss has been lifted.
After sacking Mourinho, United said they would wait until the summer to appoint their next full-time boss, with the likes of Mauricio Pochettino, Zinedine Zidane and Massimiliano Allegri linked with the job.
But Bruce insists Solskjaer should be the leading candidate.
The newly-appointed Sheffield Wednesday manager told the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast: “He’s been unbelievable, you couldn’t wish for a better start.
“Nine wins and a draw? It’s been quite a remarkable start for him.
“He must have put himself in poll position. He knows the club, he knows what is expected, he knows the demands, he knows what supporters want.
“He’s gone in there and put a smile on people’s faces and got the rewards, because they look an outstanding team all of a sudden again.
“You’d like to think they can make the top four – they’ve got to be competing for that,
“With the run they’re on at the moment, they are the in-form team. The big clubs around them have got to go to Old Trafford, I believe, so it’s all to play for.”