Former Premier League midfielder Carlton Palmer has told Football FanCast in an exclusive interview that Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer deserves a new contract.

The Telegraph recently reported that Solskjaer is in line for a new deal even if the Red Devils finish the season trophyless, and Palmer believes it would be completely justified.

Manchester United are currently second in the Premier League and there is still a chance that Solskjaer does end the campaign with some silverware.

His side are still in the Europa League, taking on La Liga outfit Granada next in the quarter-finals, and will surely fancy their chances of making the final this year after coming so close last term.

On the news that Solskjaer could be set to sign a new contract at Old Trafford, Palmer told FFC:

"Listen, if he finishes second in the Premier League, I don't think there's any manager in the world who wouldn't be expecting to get a new contract. Where else can you finish? The only other place you can finish is first. City are on a different level at the moment, on a different level. So if he finishes second, I think he's done a remarkable job.

"I think he's handled himself very well when, you know, they've had a little blip. Everybody's been talking about [Mauricio] Pochettino and linking other managers to the football club, saying that he shouldn't be there. I think he's done very, very well at the football club."

The ex-Sheffield Wednesday midfielder finished off by saying:

"They've only finished second again to an outstanding Man City side who could do something really special this season, to be honest with you. They could do something really special. So, yeah, for sure. 110% he deserves his new contract."

Having overtaken Liverpool this season, the next step now is to close the gap with Manchester City. Easier said than done.