Claudio Ranieri says Ole Gunnar Solskjaer deserves to be appointed Manchester United’s permanent manager.
The Norwegian has excelled since succeeding Jose Mourinho on a caretaker basis in December, overseeing nine wins from 10 games and remaining undefeated to transform the club’s season.
Saturday’s fixture at Craven Cottage represents the start of a period that is expected to determine Solskjaer’s Old Trafford future. After Fulham, the Red Devils face Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and Liverpool.
Ranieri said: “At the moment he deserves it. He’s shown all the players are with him.
“Manchester United’s mentality has changed. Why not?
“I remember him as a player, against Chelsea. He was a fantastic player. His career’s open, and I wish him all the best.”
But Ranieri feels that “sooner or later (United) have to lose”, adding: “Why not against us?
“We must be positive and we have to fight. If we don’t fight and lose, you lose before you play.
“If the opponent is better, well done to them. I want to see my players fight until the end. My fans will be happy seeing the players fight for every ball.”