The Norwegian, who retired last August with a knee problem at the age of 34, has been taking his coaching badges and working with United's strikers at Carrington this season.

But he is going to manage the youngsters next term and take over from Academy chief Brian McClair who has been doing the job on a temporary basis with Jimmy Ryan.

McClair stepped in when previous reserve boss Rene Meulensteen became manager of Brondby in the summer of 2006.

Although Meulensteen's stint in Denmark lasted six months and he returned to Old Trafford as technical skills development coach, Solskjaer has been given the post.

"It was a disappointment when Ole quit playing," says Sir Alex. "He'd already started doing his coaching badges and we brought him into the first-team staff.

"But he'll be in charge of the reserve team next season, which will be a progressive step in terms of his coaching badges.

"A lot will depend upon whether he wants to remain as a coach. He may want to be a manager, which is fine by me also.

"But he's got the right character and patience to be a coach. Patience is one of the qualities you need. He'll do well."

Meanwhile, the United boss has revealed that the Reds are pursuing a permanent deal for striker Carlos Tevez.

The Argentine signed on a two-year loan agreement last summer following the ownership problems over the South American.

"Carlos has been fantastic for us," the Reds boss added.

"It amazes me that a man can have so much energy in a football game.

The most important facet of his game is his ability to score important goals.

"We had a player like that a few years ago in Eric Cantona who could score and make goals at crucial times.

"One of the reasons we won the championship and are here in Moscow is down to Tevez.

"Signing him permanently is part of our future planning, to have him at the club is part of our long-term planning.

"David Gill (United chief executive) will progress that as best he can. Hopefully, we can come to a solution."