Claudio Ranieri believes Ole Gunnar Solsjkaer "deserves" to be appointed Manchester United 's permanent manager.
The Norwegian has excelled since succeeding Jose Mourinho on a caretaker basis, overseeing nine victories from 10 matches, and remaining undefeated to transform the club's season.
Saturday's fixture at Craven Cottage against Fulham represents the start of a period that is expected to influence whether Solksjaer remains at Old Trafford - in the coming weeks they also face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League , Chelsea and Liverpool .
Ranieri, who arrived at the London club a month before Solskjaer returned to Manchester but who has struggled to have anything close to the same positive effect as the 45-year-old, said: "At the moment he deserves it. He's shown all the players are with him.
"Manchester United's mentality has changed. Why not?
"I remember him as a player, against Chelsea. He was a fantastic player. His career's open, and I wish him all the best."
Ranieri, however, feels that "sooner or later (United) have to lose", adding: "Why not against us?"
The Italian said: "We must be positive and we have to fight. If we don't fight and lose, you lose before you play.
"If the opponent is better, well done to them. I want to see my players fight until the end. My fans will be happy seeing the players fight for every ball."
Saturday's fixture could also reunite Ranieri with Anthony Martial . As Monaco manager, he engineered his arrival at the Ligue 1 club for a remarkably low fee two years before his departure for what could eventually cost United £58m.
"I signed him for £5m, it was good business," said the 67-year-old. "He was fantastic. I watched him during the Under-21s match against Monaco and was impressed.
"When the chance came to buy, I said 'Take this guy because for me he could have a good future'. He came to Manchester and well done to him.
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"He's very good; can dribble; strong; fast. There are so many good players, (Paul) Pogba, (Marcus) Rashford; so many. We must be concentrated and strong, positive to show our personality during the game."
