Sir Alex Ferguson has reportedly given his backing for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to be appointed as Manchester United's next permanent manager.

Solskjaer has rejuvenated the Red Devils since replacing Jose Mourinho on an interim basis a little over two months ago, winning 11 out of 13 games in all competitions.

The Norwegian has guided United past Arsenal and Chelsea in the FA Cup to reach the quarter-finals and his side are also back in the Premier League's top four.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino is Solskjaer's biggest rival for the full-time job, but The Mirror claims that Ferguson has urged United to go with the iconic striker.

Ferguson supposedly believes that now is the right time to make an announcement, rather than wait until the summer as it causes uncertainty in the camp.

The report indicates that the 77-year-old, who won 13 Premier League trophies during his time at Old Trafford, is also pleased with the recruitment of Mike Phelan, Michael Carrick and Mark Dempsey as part of Solskjaer's backroom staff.