Premier League Manager of the Month Nominations for June Announced

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Nuno Espirito Santo, Steve Bruce and Frank Lampard make up the four-man shortlist by the Premier League for June's Manager of the Month award.

It's been a testing period for all managers following the return of the top flight, with issues ranging from player fitness to contracts expiring among the countless other concerns being tackled after such an extended period away.

While some sides have struggled to either find form, or maintain it, Manchester United have enjoyed a fine return in June with seven points from their three matches – the first of which was a 1-1 draw away at Tottenham, followed by thumping wins over Sheffield United and Brighton.

Solskjaer to be finally getting the output from his side that he'd hoped for, with the run United find themselves in putting them in real contention for Champions League football next season.

Fighting alongside them are Wolves, who have been guided to an 100% start since the league resumed under the tutelage of Santo. In addition, they're yet to concede a goal and are well in the hunt for a maiden run in the elite competition.

Lampard harbours similar ambitions for the Blues, and back-to-back 2-1 victories over relegation threatened Aston Villa and last year's champions Manchester City could prove to be vitally important victories in their bid to maintain their top four standing. It's been an impressive season for Lampard in his debut top flight role, but with tough fixtures to come they will need to keep putting points on the board to achieve their goals.

Up on Tyneside it's also been a welcome return for Bruce's side, with the Magpies picking up seven points out of nine. A resounding 3-0 win over Sheffield United got the ball rolling, before a 1-1 draw with Aston Villa – followed by a 4-1 thumping of Bournemouth in midweek (admittedly technically in July, but still).

For more from Ross Kennerley, follow him on Twitter!