Solskjaer has faced heavy criticism during his two years in charge but the Norwegian appears to have turned the club around, guiding them to the top of the table with a 12-game unbeaten run in the league before Leicester City moved above them on Tuesday.

“Hopefully I have proved I can help the club going forwards,” Solskjaer told reporters ahead of Wednesday’s league clash against Fulham.

“Personally I have felt very strong backing and leadership from the club, which has made the journey that we’ve been on – ups and downs – clear.”

At the halfway stage of the campaign, Solskjaer said United must not take their foot off the pedal.

“It is not about getting there once – that is the easy bit to go up the league,” he added.

“Staying there is the challenge and that is the challenge we are looking forward to – focusing on every game and building this squad and hope that in the end we can lift the trophy.”