Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be allowed to continue his role as Manchester United manager. However, sources tell ESPN that he has been informed that his job is still under threat. This is despite disagreements at the board regarding Antonio Conte's potential hiring.
On Monday, Solskjaer (48), was in talks with Ed Woodward, executive vice-chairman, and Richard Arnold, managing director, but the day ended with him still at the job. ESPN has learned that Solskjaer's fate will be sealed at the international break, unless he is able to oversee positive results against Tottenham and Manchester City.
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Conte, 52 years old, has made it clear he is willing to assume the role. However, sources tell ESPN that there are different levels of enthusiasm among board members for hiring the former coach at Inter Milan, Chelsea, and Juve.
Some high-ranking figures feel that Conte would be against the club's "cultural restart" which has heavily influenced decisions since Jose Mourinho's departure in December 2018.
Sources close to Solskjaer believe he will remain in charge of Saturday's trip at Tottenham. However, they have not been assured otherwise. Sources close to Solskjaer say that he is not willing to sack the manager and instead will install one of his backroom staff on an interim basis, until a permanent replacement is found.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer remains under pressure at Manchester United. Martin Rickett/PA Images via Getty Images
Some players have lost faith in Solskjaer after heavy defeats to Liverpool and Leicester. However, the board faces a problem: a lack of alternative options.
The three top candidates in 2018 -- Mauricio Pucettino and Thomas Tuchel -- have all settled in jobs at Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea. Pochettino retains the support of the United hierarchy but only signed a one year contract extension at PSG for July. It is unlikely that he will be an easy appointment if Solskjaer departs.
ESPN was told by sources that Zinedine Zidane, former manager of Real Madrid, would not consider the job if it became available.
Many of the staff involved in United's succession planning would like to have time to evaluate their options before making a decision about Solskjaer.
United was surprised by the speed at which the season unfolded, and handed the former Cardiff and Molde boss a three-year contract.
Solskjaer's team has lost five of the last nine games and conceded nine goals in its last two Premier League matches. They are currently seventh in the table and eight points behind leaders Chelsea.
United will travel to Tottenham on Saturday, before heading to Atalanta for the Champions League on Tuesday. Four days later, Champions Manchester City will visit Old Trafford in United's final game before the November international break. United's ideal scenario is Solskjaer winning all three games to end the club's crisis. If Solskjaer loses again, the decision to keep him in charge this week will allow for a plan to be developed if necessary.
