It has been around four weeks since Manchester United faced a humiliating 3-1 defeat against Liverpool which resulted in the farewell of Jose Mourinho. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer who has scored 126 goals in 366 appearances ( 1996-2007) for ‘The Red Devils’ was appointed as the caretaker manager until the end of 2018-19 season. He also has the experience of managing the reserve-team of Manchester United in 2008 after which he went on taking a managerial job at FC Molde in Norway.
Solskjaer took over under difficult circumstances. The players had lost their confidence on the pitch and on their previous manager. Mourinho had lost the confidence of the dressing room and manchester united needed a suitable man for the job and Solskjaer has proved to be just that.
Manchester United registered a thumping 5-1 win against Cardiff under the Norwegian’s first match in charge. This was the first time since Sir Alex’s last match in 2013, that they have scored five goals in a premier league match. Manchester United have also conceded only 3 goals in their last five matches while scoring 16 goals.
More to this, Solskjaer has addressed other problems effectively facing England’s most successful club. Mourinho had left the locker room in disarray, there was a lot of discontent and disharmony between the players and the manager. Solskjaer has bought in positive and new energy to the team and this is quite vivid on the field. They have gone back to their traditional attacking type of play as opposed to Mourinho’s defensive game. The possession game that was adopted under Mourinho has been dropped, this side is clearly attacking with a lot of intent and freedom.
Solskjaer has sought another major problem i.e Paul Labile Pogba. The conflict between Pogba and Mourinho was no secret and there were numerous rumours of Pogba demanding a transfer or the sacking of the Portuguese. But Solskjaer has come as the rescuer, especially for Pogba.
Pogba has scored four goals under Solskjaer, this is equal to the goals he scored in his previous 19 appearances. The Frenchman is clearly enjoying himself with his dancing celebrations after scoring goals and of course his improved game. The Manchester United’s Board and the fans would be very relieved after all the ‘Pogba unhappy reports’.
Manchester United are clearly not the favourites to win the premier league this time, but they are hoping for a top-4 finish and with the new and happy atmosphere at Old Trafford, the Manchester United fans optimism is quite understandable.
The biggest test for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer would be on Sunday when they face Arsenal in the F.A Cup. If he continues to perform as he has done so far, Solskjaer could be appointed as the permanent coach in the coming season. Manchester United are currently placed Sixth in the league with 38 points.
