Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says Manchester United job is 'ultimate dream' after full-time appointment

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said he has achieved his "ultimate dream" after being appointed as Manchester United manager on a permanent three-year deal.

The 46-year-old was hired as interim manager in December following the dismissal of Jose Mourinho.

Today, he was rewarded for guiding Manchester United to 14 wins in 19 games and steering the club back into the hunt for top four and Champions League football.

At a press conference today, the Norwegian said the job had "always been on my mind".

Speaking at Old Trafford, he said: "This has been my ultimate dream. This dream has always been in my mind.

"I'm so honoured and privileged. When I got the job we were 11 points behind fourth, now we have given ourselves a great chance to finish maybe third.

"We are in a great position to get into the Champions League, but that's not decided until May 12."

Sir Alex Ferguson had been in touch with Solskjaer since his full-time appointment, the new Manchester United manager said, although he did not reveal what was said during their conversation.

Solskjaer said: "I have spoken to him. I'm not going to discuss what we spoke about, but it is one of the first phone calls you make when things were more or less decided."

Solskjaer poses with a Manchester United scarf at Old Trafford after he was announced as the new full-time manager. Credit: PA

The Manchester United manager said he has now turned his attention to the summer transfer window, and that talks with players are ongoing.

He said: "Of course we have been discussing how to move the club forward. That doesn't mean x amount of money or x amount of players.

"We have sat down and discussed but now it's easier to be clear. We will do some business this summer.

"The lure of Champions League football might be important for some players, but to play for Man United, and sign a contract for four or five years, you know you are going to be playing in the Champions League.

"We need to get going before the end of the season to hold talks about players, with players, and who's going to stay here. The short-term priority now is to improve."

During an illustrious career at United spanning 11 years, Solskjaer won the Premier League six times. One of his main aims, he said, is to restore the club to its former glory.

The club has not won the Premier League since Sir Alex Ferguson's last season in charge back in 2013, but finished runners-up last season under the guidance of Mourinho.

He added: "To lift the Premier League trophy again is what we expect, what we're used to, what we have done so many times.

"We can't wait too many years but it's not going to happen overnight."

The Norwegian arrived at United as caretaker manager in December. Credit: PA

The former player is perhaps best remembered for his 1999 Champions League final goal which sealed the club a historic treble.

As a player, he scored 126 goals in 366 appearances between 1996 and 2007 and managed the club's reserve team until the end of 2010.

When Solskjaer took over from Mourinho, the club were in sixth and 11 points off top four. Credit: PA

When Solskjaer took over from Mourinho, the club were in sixth and 11 points off top four. With eight games left of the season, they are just two points behind fourth placed Arsenal.

Solskjaer won his first eight games in charge and has lost just once in the Premier League, losing 2-0 to Arsenal earlier this month.

Manchester United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward said: "Since coming in as caretaker manager in December, the results Ole has delivered speak for themselves.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has won 14 his 19 games in charge of Manchester United. Credit: PA

“More than just performances and results, Ole brings a wealth of experience, both as a player and as a coach, coupled with a desire to give young players their chance and a deep understanding of the culture of the club. This all means that he is the right person to take Manchester United forward.

“I want to thank Ole and the coaching team for everything they have done so far and congratulate him on this richly deserved appointment.

"The fans and everyone at the club are behind him as he looks to take us where we need to be and build the next stage of our history.”

United sources have said there will be a "gesture of goodwill" to Norwegian club Molde, where Solskjaer had been set to return as manager.

Solskjaer's assistant Mike Phelan, who has a contract with Central Coast Mariners in Australia, is widely expected to stay on his role in Manchester.

Manchester United players past and present have been quick to congratulate their manager following news of his full-time appointment.

Marcus Rashford posted an image of himself with Solskjaer on Instagram with the cpation: "Congrats boss."

Solskjaer's former teammate Gary Neville tweeted: "I'm delighted for Ole. I didn't think this would happen when he was appointed.

"However the results and spirit in the club have been incredible since he arrived and he deserves it. He now needs support in the transfer market in terms of finance and the right resource!"

Rio Ferdinand, another former teammate of Solsjkaer, tweeted: "Yessss Ole is officially at The Wheel... Signed, Sealed, Delivered! Manager of @ManUtd! I hope my Thank You is in post Ole."