Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says Man Utd players 'will have a say' as he hopes to earn permanent Old Trafford job

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says Manchester United's players will determine if he succeeds Jose Mourinho.

The Norwegian has inspired a dramatic turnaround in the club’s fortunes since stepping in as interim manager in December – and now stands alongside Mauricio Pochettino as the leading candidate to get the job on a permanent basis.

He is gathering heavyweight support from all levels at United after reigniting their challenge for a Champions League place – and also has the backing of legends like Eric Cantona and the Class of '92.

Gary Neville insists there will be a revolt if Solskjaer is overlooked at the end of the season, telling Sky Sports at the weekend: “I think at this moment in time if you're the board and you are in a position where you could give it to someone else, I think there would be a mutiny.”

But executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward refuses to be rushed into a decision, with Juventus coach Max Allegri and Zinedine Zidane also under consideration.

Solskjaer accepts a final decision will be made based on United’s finish to the season, with a top-four finish the primary target.

Ahead of Wednesday’s trip to Crystal Palace the 46-year-old admits the players will be pivotal to his personal ambitions.

“The players will have a say in the way we play the rest of the season,” he said. “In that we can manage to keep going, keep progressing, keep getting results, keep getting the crowd behind us, because we need that.

“We need to fight now towards the end of the season. It’s not like I’m walking round and going: ‘Come on.’

“Let’s just take that (the managerial decision) when it comes. Gary is known for his opinions and comments, so that’s his job.”

United dropped out of the top four with Sunday’s goalless draw against Liverpool – but Solskjaer continued his outstanding start, extending his run to just one defeat in 14 games in charge.

United are also into the quarter-finals of the FA Cup and are bidding to overturn a 2-0 deficit in their Champions League round of 16 tie with Paris Saint-Germain next week.

“Every single game is going to be very important,” he added. “Every day here is a chance to improve standards, and we need to get back to the standards that are set for a Manchester United player.

“We can’t say we are happy with the top four. A top-four finish would be fantastic, but to get to the final of the FA Cup and win a trophy would be fantastic.

“You can’t pick and choose. We just have to make sure that now against Palace, we’re ready, then it’s Southampton, PSG, then it’s Arsenal and Wolves. You can’t pick and choose your games.”