Jose Mourinho’s departure and Ole Gunnar Solksjaer’s arrival has been nothing less than a blessing in disguise for Manchester United. With Solskjaer back to the ‘Theatre of dreams’ but as a coach, it has been the beginning to the new chapter in the club’s glorious history. They have been unbeaten in all competitions. If the Premier League was to start after Solskjaer’s arrival, the Red Devils would be ranked top. Manchester United have beaten Arsenal at Emirates and Tottenham Hotspurs at Wembley in FA Cup and Wembley respectively. The new United has helped fans witness a rejuvenated Paul Pogba and David De Gea. Apart from them, Rashford has found himself in the list of top players with his red hot form. Many other players have improved under Solskjaer. Here is the list of top 5:
1- Anthony Martial:
Martial who was keen on leaving the club at the beginning of the season, signed a new contract which keeps him at the club until 2024. The Frenchman has been one of the most consistent players for the club and enjoyed a successful run under Mourinho by keeping the club in the game by playing the role of ’Super Sub’ - title given to Solskjaer - and scoring goals every now and then. Although, after Mourinho’s departure, Martial has not scored much, but has been a vital cog of the Manchester United’s road to rejuvenation and has been influential in link-up play.
2- Ander Herrara:
Manchester United’s 2016/17’s player of the year, Ander Herrera had failed to regain his form after that season and has warmed the bench ever since. However, under the Norwegian manager, Herrera has found a new hope of light. Solskjaer has entrusted the midfielder and paired him up with Paul Pogba to have a more attacking approach to the game. Herrera has scored once and assisted twice, more than what he did under Mourinho. With rejuvenated Herrera, Fred has found himself on the bench and it looks like the Brazilian midfielder will leave the club come summer. With a contract extension pending, Manchester United might consider Herrera's current form and offer him a new deal.
3- Viktor Lindelof:
Viktor Lindelof came to Old Trafford last season but did not have the best of the starts in the Premier League. This resulted in him making novice mistakes which cost the United crucial points game after game. But with Solskjaer as the manager, Lindelof has stood like a wall against the likes of Harry Kane and Aubameyang. He has sealed a place in the starting XI for the near future. With a strong defence, United can hope to pull themselves into top four hence a champions league berth for the next season. Under Solskjaer, the Sweden international has continued to improve his form and has made an impact in what is a weak United defence alongside Phil Jones and Eric Bailly.
4- Marcus Rashford:
During Mourinho’s reign, both Rashford and the Portuguese manager were heavily criticised by the English media for the former’s lacklustre performances in the start of the season. Under Mourinho, the 21-year-old had scored thrice and assisted five times. However, under Solskjaer the result is better as Rashford has scored six times and assisted twice. Rashford is firing goals at will and has also been a thorn to opposition’s defence. His has been performing so well that he has benched the seasoned striker Romelu Lukaku which is a statement in itself. With Rashford's role at Man United now clear as day, it may seem like the 21-year-old might continue his contract talks and probably sign a long term deal which will keep him at his boyhood club for a long term at the club.
5- Paul Pogba:
Pogba has finally shown the fans what he is capable of. The Frenchman has looked like a man on a mission ever since Solskjaer took charge of the club. He is proving to be a one-man army and has destroyed the defence of opponents with his eye for passes and goals. He has been involved in 10 goals in seven games under Solskjaer and is stamping his authority as the best midfielder in the league. The way he is playing, PSG defenders are looking to have a tough day when both the club’s meet each other in the Round of 16 of Champions League. With the likes of Pogba, Martial, Rashford, among others United are one of the best-attacking sides in all of Europe.
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