Ranieri: Solskjaer "deserves" to be appointed Manchester United's permanent manager
Claudio Ranieri believes Ole Gunnar Solskjaer "deserves" to be appointed Manchester United's permanent manager.
The Norwegian has excelled since succeeding Jose Mourinho on a caretaker basis, overseeing nine victories from 10 matches, 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 influence whether Solskjaer remains at Old Trafford - in the coming weeks they also face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, Chelsea and Liverpool.
Ranieri, who arrived at the London club a month before Solskjaer returned to Manchester but who has struggled to have anything close to the same positive effect as the 45-year-old, 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."
Ranieri, however, feels that "sooner or later (United) have to lose", adding: "Why not against us?"
The Italian said: "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."