Why United Should Keep Faith With Solskjaer

by
Former Writers
December 6, 2019

Photo credit to soikeo .info via Flickr

Why United Should Keep Faith With Solskjaer

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer needs time and is on the right track

When the final whistle went at Old Trafford on Wednesday night, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer punched the air in delight as he secured one of his best wins of his managerial career.

He defeated the man he replaced as Manchester United manager for one of his most satisfying victories in charge.

The performance on Wednesday was arguably the best of the season so far. United played with tempo, pace and pressed Tottenham all over the pitch.

It was the type of performance that Solskjaer has been looking for. The United way.

Most notably was his starting line-up. Only two players Victor Lindelof and Fred started on Wednesday were signed by Jose Mourinho when he was manager.

Solskjaer is trying to build a culture and move United away from buying expensive experienced players who have ultimately failed since Sir Alex Ferguson left.

The results so far this season would suggest that Manchester United have gone backwards.

United are two points worse off this season than they were last campaign.

However, the league table may point towards no improvement being made. But United are on the right path under Solskjaer.

Missed Opportunities

Manchester United have drawn six games so far this season in the Premier League. Each game they have led. If they were able to hold on to those leads, United would have an extra 12 points.

That would see United in third place and a point ahead of Manchester City.

Also, Solskjaer’s side have defeated Chelsea twice this season, beat Tottenham and Leicester, drew with Arsenal and are the only side to take points off Liverpool in the Premier League.

Those performances and results will give encouragement that United are on the right track.

The rebuild, which was badly needed after a tumultuous time under Jose Mourinho, was always going to take time.

Solskjaer has got rid of players who didn’t want to be at the club. Also, he has started to blood young players from the academy.

The likes of Mason Greenwood and Brandon Williams have been given Premier League debuts under the Norwegian.

Also, new signings Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Daniel James and Harry Maguire have made a positive impact.

Of course, there have been negatives as well.

Stick With Solskjaer

There is an obvious lack of strength in depth. United have a lack of quality to compete on all fronts.

The rebuild was never going to happen in one transfer window and Solskjaer needs another couple of windows to get United back challenging for the Premier League and in Europe.

United have made many mistakes in the transfer window over the last seven years since Sir Alex Ferguson left. However, Solskjaer’s three signings in the summer have all made an impact.

So far Solskjaer’s judgement has been sound and that is why he should be backed and given more time to build his side.

At the moment, there is an emphasis on young players, which is ingrained in United’s DNA. But there is an over reliance on them to perform week in and week out, due to the lack of options at the club.

This is something that will have to change over the next transfer windows, if the club are going to challenge once again.

The table may show that United are sixth in the Premier League and are 22 points behind league leaders Liverpool. However, the club is on the right track under Solskjaer.

If the club’s hierarchy stays patient, keeps faith with the Norwegian and avoids the temptation of bringing Mauricio Pochettino as manager, United could be back challenging for the Premier League title quicker than people think.