Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has always been a man in need of Manchester United. Famous for his “bench role” while playing at Manchester United, he always del
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has always been a man in need of Manchester United. Famous for his “bench role” while playing at Manchester United, he always delivered great performances. He notably scored a game-winning goal at the 1999 UEFA Champions League Final against Bayern, which saw his team clinch the title.
When he was appointed as a temporary manager after the sacking of Jose Mourinho anticipations were not high. However, he led the team to consecutive wins. Manchester started scoring a lot of goals and playing perfect football. Most notably Solskjaer helped United pull of one of the greatest comebacks in Champions League history, which proved to be sufficient for Norwegian to sign a permanent deal with the team.
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The situation changed drastically in the successive months, and right now Solskjaer is a favorite to lose his job according to top rated Norwegian betting sites as well as experts. United face risks of losing face in the eyes of their punters as Solskjaer is not the only one to blame for the club’s difficult situation. Of course, the coach dictates the way the team should play but, the problems have roots deep inside the club’s management.
What went wrong for Solskjaer at Manchester United?
The following months saw Manchester United going downhill in the Premier Leauge. The team started dropping a lot of points, which cost them a spot for the Champions League. The fans assumed it was the first season for Solskjaer, let alone the fact he became the manager from the second half of the season. So it was reasonable to allow him to stay at the club.
The 2019 summer transfer window was active for Manchester United. They signed several good players such as Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Daniel James and Harry Maguire at a world-record £80 fee for a defender. However, they let some players go such as Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez both to Inter Milan.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer the manager of Manchester United during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 First Leg match between Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain at Old Trafford on February 12, 2019 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
Their release was wet with broad disapproval, due to the fact, Manchester did not sign any player who would strengthen their attack. The team became only relied on Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford and Daniel James. Practically, there was no a typical centre forward remaining in the club, except youngster Mason Greenwood.
It eventually prevailed and Manchester United started the season unconvincingly. In spite of the fact, they defeated Chelsea 4:0 in the opening match of the season, the result was very deceptive. Then followed a series of consecutive rows and defeats with no hope of improving their game.
The trust in Solskjaer started to dwindle. Critics and fans urged for sacking. Solskjaer himself declared that one transfer window was not enough for the resolution of the problem and the number of issues was increasing. The injuries had their effect as well, and currently Manchester United occupies seventh place in the Premier League with 35 points and 38 behind the leaders Liverpool.
Is this the end for Solskjaer?
Judging by his results, there is not a lot of time left before he is sacked. It will be extremely difficult for him to maintain his position or improve the situation in the team. Yes, they signed Portugalian Bruno Fernandes during the winter transfer window, but it does not seem to be enough. Of course, Bruno is a high-quality player, but signing him will not solve all the problems.
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The officials will probably wait until the end of the season and then try to sign a new manager. Mauricio Pochettino is the favourite to take the job. Who knows, Solskjaer may manage to arrange the matters, but it seems very unlikely.
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