'He's done a very god job': Ole Gunnar Solskjaer praises Mauricio Pochettino

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer acknowledged speculation linking Mauricio Pochettino to Old Trafford ahead of Manchester United's trip to Tottenham.

Mauricio Pochettino (in picture) is reportedly at the top of Manchester United's list to permanently replace Jose Mourinho at the end of the season.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer understands why Mauricio Pochettino has been linked with Manchester United as he praised the highly rated Tottenham manager.

Pochettino is reportedly at the top of United's list to permanently replace Jose Mourinho at the end of the season after the Portuguese was sacked in December. Solskjaer was appointed on a caretaker basis until the end of the campaign amid United's search for a long-term successor but the club favourite has thrown himself into the mix with five successive victories.

'Speculation is there for a reason'

With United set to face Tottenham in a Premier League blockbuster at Wembley on Sunday, Solskjaer acknowledged speculation linking Pochettino to Old Trafford. "He's done a very good job," the 45-year-old told reporters. "The speculation is there for a reason because he's done well. But it's not my job to rate different managers. My focus is on me and my team."

Read | Pep Guardiola praises Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

United has not missed a beat since Solskjaer arrived last month, the Red Devils outclassing Cardiff City, Huddersfield Town, Newcastle United and Bournemouth to move within three points of fifth-placed Arsenal. The Red Devils also defeated Reading in the third round of the FA Cup last week.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer: "My focus is on me and my team." Photo: AP

 

United will come up against a Tottenham side fighting for the title in third position and boasting star England striker Harry Kane. Kane has amassed 14 Premier League goals this season — level with Arsenal's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang at the top of the division's scoring charts — while he has found the back of the net in each of the past six games across all competitions.

'Fantastic goalscorer'

"He's not bad, is he? Solskjaer said. "He's a fantastic goalscorer. One of the best in the world to play up there. Then again, I've got a couple as well who I'm happy to work with. He's also a top, top professional. I'm sure whoever plays with him and trains with him can talk more about him.

"But from the outside he's a fantastic finisher. He never misses chances really so let's make sure he doesn't get any against us."