Manchester United could confirm Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's appointment as early as this week

Manchester United could confirm Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's permanent appointment as early as this week.

Solskjaer was brought in as caretaker manager last December following the sacking of Jose Mourinho, a move that sparked an uplift in performances and results.

United won their first eight matches in all competitions in Solskjaer's reign to keep hopes of a top-four finish alive, while they have also progressed to the final eight of the Champions League after an incredible comeback against Paris Saint-Germain earlier this month.

It is understood the club are ready to make Solskjaer's appointment permanent and could announce the move before the end of the week.

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Nemanja Matic this week became the latest United player to join the clamour for Solskjaer to be appointed manager on a permanent basis, and also wants the backroom staff compromising Mike Phelan, Michael Carrick, Kieran McKenna and Mark Dempsey to stay.

He said: “I think he is a great manager.

"But you have to say also that with Mike, Michael and Kieran, they work very well together. They work as a team. It is not only Ole.

"There are people behind him who help us. I will be happy if he stays, and I hope he will.”