Manchester United legend Lee Sharpe believes Ole Gunnar Solskjaer must prove he can beat the big teams before he becomes a genuine candidate for the permanent job at Old Trafford.
The interim boss has recorded the best start by a Red Devils manager since Matt Busby after winning all five of his opening games in charge.
But the fixtures have been undoubtedly kind, and United’s trip to Tottenham on Sunday will present the first big test of Solskjaer’s managerial credentials.
Nonetheless, former United winger Sharpe, who spent eight years with the Red Devils, believes there is no reason why Solskjaer should not get the permanent job if these results continue against the top six.
When asked whether the Norwegian has a chance of staying in the hot seat, Sharpe told the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast: “I think he has.
“The game’s he’s played already, you would expect the club to win. This is his first big test.
“I think it’s games like Sunday that will define whether he gets it or not.
“If he can be tactically aware, get good performances and results against the big boys, I don’t see any reason why he shouldn’t get the job.”
United’s season was in tatters when Solskjaer took over, but after such a remarkable recovery, their hopes of at least finishing in the Champions League spots have been reignited.
Six points currently separates them from Chelsea in fourth, and Sharpe says United have a genuine chance of overtaking their rivals.
“It’s going to be very difficult because I think the teams above them are quite consistent.
“But these gaps have been made up before by Manchester United.
“There’s a long, long way to go and when they get on a roll and start moving, anything can happen.
“I think it will be very difficult, but I think they can.”
