When Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was roped in as a caretaker manager back in December, he came with a fresh philosophy. One which the players loved, breaking the shackles of the defensive mindset that was being installed in them. He set them free, allowed them to prove themselves on the pitch, and to enjoy the ninety minutes in front of those passionate supporters. And the results were stupendous. United broke into the top four with a string of dazzling displays, while also edging PSG for a spot in the UCL quarter-finals. But over time, their performances started to fade.
United ended the season winning just two games off sixteen in all competitions. A quarterfinal thrashing to the hands of Barcelona in UCL, a quarterfinal loss to Wolves in the Cup and a lowly sixth-place finish in the league. Although United did see some failed transfers, all their three signings have fared well in this season until now. You can access the situation by the fact that all the three were in the running for United's Player Of The Month for August. United started the season on a high. Putting four goals part a sorry-Chelsea side. The results have not been great after that, but they have been partly unlucky too. Two missed penalties cost them a total of three points or possibly five, maybe. Many eyebrows were raised after United sacked Mourinho in December last season. Here are some reasons why they cannot afford to sack Solskjaer this season:
Bit by bit, the team is improving:
A lot has been said and written about the quality of the current Manchester United squad. Questions have been raised about the capabilities of young United prospects and how they will deal with the pressure of the Premier League day in day out. But to everyone's surprise, the team is looking as if a slightly better version of themselves than last season. With new recruits Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Harry Maguire improving their defensive line, Daniel James has fitted in greatly in his offensive role. All of the manager's signings are shining brightly. With a number of superstar signings down the years, this is actually the first time that the signings have hit the ground running. The average age of United squad on matchday one was just around 24 years, the lowest in the League. Some great years ahead, maybe!
United should learn from their mistakes:
Jose Mourinho won the Europa League along with the League Cup and a top-four finish in his first season in charge at United. In his second season, they finished second only to City in the league. Thus, recording their best ever points tally since Sir Alex left in 2013. In Jose's third season at Old Trafford, he had a spat with few members of the team. He felt that few players were not fully committed to the team. He used the phrase, "Pogba virus" to illustrate his view. Anyone could have guessed it in the way Pogba behaved on the pitch and moments off it. And just after two months of Solskjaer's arrival, it was again the same old story. During summer break, Pogba was recorded saying that he needs a new challenge. Thus, sparking speculations of his probable exit. Maybe, Mourinho was right and United shouldn't have sacked him.
It will certainly take a few years to be back where United belong:
Let's put it simply, why would anyone who is the peak of his powers come to United. Why would one waste his best years at a club which has no ambition going forward? Why wouldn't he choose someone like the Barcelonas of the Madrids or even Liverpool? United are in transition and the same has been the case for some years now. This is because the club has not gone about a definite ideology, favouring short success over long-term goals. Solskjaer is looking to invest in the youth as he knows that United doesn't have the power to attract the best in the business. This will certainly take a few years to bring the club to where it belongs, the pinnacle of football in Europe.
