Manchester United: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer speaks for the first time after being named permanent manager

Solksjaer has won 14 of his 19 games in charge, reviving hopes of a top-four finish and unexpectedly guiding United to the quarter-finals of the Champions League

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is delighted to take "the job that he always dreamed of doing" after being officially named as the permanent manager of Manchester United.

The move, on a three-year deal, has been inevitable for a number of weeks given the transformation United have undergone since Solskjaer arrived on a caretaker basis following the sacking of Jose Mourinho in December.

Solskjaer has won 14 of his 19 games in charge, reviving hopes of a top-four finish and unexpectedly guiding United to the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

And the Norwegian couldn't be happier to take the wheel on a full-time basis.

"From the first day I arrived, I felt at home at this special club,” he said as his appointment was officially announced. “It was an honour to be a Manchester United player, and then to start my coaching career here.

"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."

Executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward says that Solskjaer's "desire" and "deep understanding" of the club made him the right man for the job.

“Since coming in as caretaker manager in December, the results Ole has delivered speak for themselves," he added.

“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.”