After a disastrous 5-0 loss to rivals Liverpool, it looked like Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had landed himself in hot water. The ‘sacking of the Norwegian’ rumours began to arise with ex-Inter Milan coach Antonio Conte favourite to replace the United legend. However, on the brink of losing his job, Solskjaer was granted three more games by the board, who have continuously backed him, to prove his ability and leadership. United’s next three games included a trip to the London stadium to face an out-of-form Tottenham Hotspur side, a Champions League tie against Italian side Atalanta, and the big Manchester derby at Old Trafford.
With a poor defensively display against Liverpool, Solskjaer scrapped his favoured 4-2-3-1 formation for a 3-5-2; notably a familiar formation played by the rumoured replacement. The boss took a more cautious approach, looking to protect arguably United’s best player so far this season, David De Gea. Solskjaer’s side also welcomed back the experienced Raphael Varane which played vital in his side’s first clean sheet since August 29. The Red Devils looked to have brushed off their horror defeat as they secured a comfortable 3-0 win under their new system.
After such a comfortable display against Spurs, the question posed: how will Solskjaer line up against Serie A side Atalanta? For a second consecutive, his side lined up with a three-back with the inclusion of the number three Eric Bailly replacing the injured Victor Lindelof. Despite this, Solskjaer found his team 1-0 down within 12 minutes, soon to be made worse by losing World Cup winner Varane to a hamstring injury. Once again, United’s style and tactics were lost and unseen with poor passes and a lack of shape, but the Norwegian’s saviour Cristiano Ronaldo again came to save it for the Reds after two injury time goals in the 46th minute and 91st minute snatching an all-important point for not only his side but Solskjaer’s job.
Despite the last-minute goal from five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo, many fans and pundits were still disappointed with the result due to a lacklustre display and demanded more from Solskjaer. However, many were pleased to see Donny Van de Beek and Jadon Sancho receive some minutes – albeit only 5 minutes. The two subs made an instant impact with some positive passing and forward runs, demonstrating to Solskjaer their talents and abilities.
Following a dismal display in the Champions League, United hosted the first Manchester Derby of the season and huge pressure mounted on the manager’s shoulders. With Varane set to be out, Ole returned to his 3-5-2 formation, hoping to strengthen the defence. However, his side were dominated by Manchester City and suffered an embarrassing 2-0 defeat at home and provided very little threat throughout. The game seemed to be a last throw of the dice for Solskjaer as his time at his club could be coming to an end after a continuous run of poor performances.
Despite Solskjaer’s recent run of form, he has provided Manchester United fans with great hope and enjoyment since his return to the club as interim manager in December 2018. His first game in charge saw a convincing 5-1 win against his former side Cardiff and his positive run of results continued with a run of 11 games unbeaten and a total of 28 goals scored compared to 18 in Jose Mourinho’s final 11 games.
Solskjaer’s side provided many memorable moments including that night in Paris where the impossible became possible and the March 2020 2-0 Manchester Derby win. However, good performances should be backed up by trophies. Solskjaer looked in prime position to achieve his first as Man United manager in the 20/21 Europa League, but his side lost out to Unai Emery’s Villareal side in a 10-11 penalty shootout. Despite his ‘legendary’ status at the club, this does not immune him from criticism and many were quick to criticise him post- Europa League final, with United’s past three managers – Mourinho, Louis Van Gaal and David Moyes – all having won a trophy during their time with the club.
Manchester United fans have continuously made their voices heard on social media and lately around the stadium by booing off the players. With the fans being a pivotable aspect of United, is it time to give them what they want and relieve Solskjaer of his duties? Many manager names have been called out by the fans including ex Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane and current Ajax boss Erik Ten Hag but the question surrounds them, how feasible and easy are they to acquire?
With all of his ‘job-saving’ games over, what’s next for Manchester United and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer? Will they seek to part ways with him and bring a new face in or will they continue to back their man? It’s clear to see the message from Man Utd fans but will the board listen? The Red Devils find themselves sat in fifth but by the end of game week 11 they could find themselves dropping down to 10th, outside all European cup competition places.
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