Peter Schmeichel cannot see beyond Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for the Manchester United job after he came up “smelling of roses” when faced with even the most unusual circumstances during his striking caretaker stint.

If eyebrows were raised when United turned to the 1999 treble hero in December, that sense of surprise has only continued given the way the 46-year-old has improved style and substance since replacing Jose Mourinho.

Solskjaer’s temporary role is due to end in the summer but few expect him to return to Norwegian club Molde as planned, with bookmakers’ odds shortening as on-field momentum grows along with public backers.