Report: United want new contract for Solskjaer - with or without trophies

The Manchester United hierarchy believes it's seen enough progress from the first team to award Ole Gunnar Solskjaer with a new contract, sources told ESPN's Rob Dawson.

Solskjaer has yet to win silverware since initially taking the managerial reins on an interim basis in December 2018. Even if the trophy drought continues beyond this season - the club still has a shot at glory in the Europa League - the board reportedly remains committed to keeping Solskjaer beyond his current deal, which expires in June 2022.

The club and Solskjaer are both seemingly relaxed about the situation, but the former doesn't want the Norwegian to get too far into the final year of his contract and therefore prompt speculation about his future.

The Red Devils are building for a long-term future with Solskjaer at the helm. United consulted the former forward when they were reshuffling their executive staff, a process which culminated with John Murtough's hiring as football director and Darren Fletcher's installation as technical director. The 48-year-old has a good relationship with both hires.

Solskjaer was apparently assured he would retain the title of manager - rather than head coach - despite the aforementioned structural changes due to his key role in United's recruitment process.

United were eliminated from the semifinals of the FA Cup, League Cup, and Europa League last season and finished third in the Premier League. This term, the club is positioned second in the Premier League table, was again dumped from the semifinal stage of the League Cup, and is out of the FA Cup following last weekend's quarterfinal exit to Leicester City.

The Red Devils face Granada in the quarterfinals of the Europa League. The first leg will be played in Spain on April 8.