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Manchester United's Solskjaer confident he has club's 'long-term' backing

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says he has the long-term backing of the Manchester United board.

There has been speculation that a third defeat in a week against Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday could cost Solskjaer his job.

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But the Norwegian is confident the Glazers and executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward will not be swayed by short-term setbacks.

"All my conversations with the club have been planning long term," Solskjaer told a news conference on Friday.

"Of course, we want results short term, but I've had positive dialogue with the plans we have put in place. For me I have had a backing all the way since I've come in on the bigger picture."

Solskjaer is United's fourth permanent manager since Sir Alex Ferguson's 27-year reign came to an end in 2013. David Moyes, Louis van Gaal and Jose Mourinho all lasted less than three years and Solskjaer has urged United to break the cycle of sacking managers and starting again with a new coach.

"We have planted a seed and the tree is growing," said Solskjaer.

"Some clubs just rip up that tree and see if it is still growing and see if it is still getting water underneath. And the club needs to look at the bigger picture, we can't go thinking and reacting to one or two results, we have got to look further."