Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has vowed to deliver success after being named as Manchester United manager on a permanent basis. The Norwegian has presided over 14 wins from his 19 games in charge so far, including a memorable Champions League comeback against Paris Saint-Germain. And the former Molde head coach, who replaced Jose Mourinho following his 3-1 defeat at Anfield on Boxing Day, admitted how thrilled he was to have landed the job of his dreams. Having already enjoyed success with the Red Devils in his playing days, Solskjaer will now hope to grasp the opportunity to win silverware with the club as a manager with both hands. "From the first day I arrived, I felt at home at this special club. It was an honour to be a Manchester United player, and then to start my coaching career here," Solskjaer said.  "The last few months have been a fantastic experience and I want to thank all of the coaches, players and staff for the work we’ve done so far. This is the job that I always dreamed of doing and I’m beyond excited to have the chance to lead the club long-term and hopefully deliver the continued success that our amazing fans deserve."   More to follow...

Manchester United have confirmed the appointment of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as their next permanent manager on a three-year contract. A Treble-winning hero of the club’s past was returned to Old Trafford in December on an initial interim agreement. With Jose Mourinho having been ushered through the exits, the Red Devils turned to a familiar face for inspiration. Solskjaer delivered an immediate reversal in fortune, overseeing 14 wins from his 19 games at the helm. That run has included notable victories over Arsenal and Tottenham, along with a stunning Champions League triumph over Paris Saint-Germain. A 3-1 win at Parc des Princes saw United overturn a first leg deficit in a heavyweight Champions League contest to book their place in the quarter-finals. Lionel Messi and Barcelona are next up for Solskjaer and his side, but that challenge should no fear for a rejuvenated outfit. A feel-good factor has been returned to the Theatre of Dreams, with a top-four finish also on the cards this season. United’s executive vice-chairman, Ed Woodward, believes Solskjaer is the man to help the club deliver on expectation in the present and future. “Since coming in as caretaker manager in December, the results Ole has delivered speak for themselves,” he told United’s official website. “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.” Solskjaer has admitted that being in charge of United is a job he has “always dreamed of doing”. He now has three years in which to help bring the good times back to Old Trafford. His appointment on a full-time deal had been mooted for some time, so impressive has he been since taking the reins, and an end to the uncertainty surrounding both his and the collective future in Manchester means that focus can now be narrowed on the pursuit of ambitious targets.

Former Manchester United striker Diego Forlan believes the Red Devils can upstage Lionel Messi's Barcelona in the Champions League. United will face Barca in the quarter-finals next month following their dramatic comeback against Paris Saint-Germain in the round of 16. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side are fifth in the Premier League but have enjoyed a resurgence under their former forward, while Barca are on track for successive La Liga titles. Forlan – who won the Premier League and FA Cup during his two years at Old Trafford – fancies United's chances against the Spanish giants. "Well they have a different game against Barcelona," Forlan said. "But they are a really good team and in football you never know what's going to happen. "They have a really good game in front, a difficult one. But they have a great team with good players. "United do really well at home, they could have a good possibility for elimination [of Barcelona]." Before the first leg at Old Trafford on April 10, United will face Watford and Wolves in the Premier League. After consecutive losses in the league and FA Cup, United return to action at home to Watford on Saturday while Barca – 10 points clear atop the table – welcome Catalan rivals Espanyol to Camp Nou.