Ralph Hasenhuttl plays down links of him replacing Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Manchester United

Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl has dismissed suggestions that he is in line to succeed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Manchester United.

The 53-year-old Austrian has been recently linked as an alternative to former Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino to take over from the Norwegian at the Old Trafford helm.

Reports earlier this month were rife with claims that Solskjaer was coming to the end of his tenure after another inconsistent start to the season following defeats to Arsenal and Istanbul Basaksehir.

But ahead of the Saints’ meeting with their Old Trafford counterparts on home soil on Sunday, Hasenhuttl played down the links to the Red Devils’ hot seat and reiterated his commitment to fulfilling his St Mary’s deal, which runs until 2024.

‘It is not really something I listen to,’ said Hasenhuttl when quizzed on speculation over his future. 

‘I find myself listening to the radio when they talk about football, it is interesting to hear.

‘My only interest is what happens at this club. I signed a long-term contract, the way we are improving this club gives me so much joy. I think there is something special growing here.’

Hasenhuttl signed a new four-year contract in June, having taken charge at St Mary’s in December 2018 with the club in the relegation zone.

Solskjaer meanwhile expressed his admiration towards his Southampton opposite number ahead of their clash and drew a slight comparison with a Premier League winning manager.

‘It is similar to when Jurgen [Klopp] came to Liverpool. He likes pressing, front foot, aggressive,’ Solskjaer said.

‘They are difficult to play against if you dwell on the ball. Very interesting to watch their progress under Ralph.

‘I am a big admirer of the physical attributes they have in their team.’

The constant speculation around Solskjaer’s future comes with the Norwegian one of the bookies’ favourites for the Premier League sack race along with West Brom’s Slaven Bilic and Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder.

The former striker was facing Betfair odds of 9-4 earlier this week following an indifferent start to the season which sees United sat outside the top half of the table before this weekend’s fixtures.