It's no secret that Manchester United have struggled to maintain the standards set by Sir Alex Ferguson since his retirement, but finally there is a growing feeling they are on the right path to bring sustained success back to Old Trafford.
This has been made possible through the area in which manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been most successful during his time as United manager — recruitment.
And that has been demonstrated across all areas of the team. Beginning with the youth, Solskjaer has recruited players such as Amad Diallo and Facundo Pellistri, bright prospects with potentially key roles to play at the club in the future. It's in the DNA of United to provide a platform for young players to blossom into stars and the United boss has not forgotten this from his time as a player at the club.
A key factor when discussing Solskjaer’s approach to recruitment during his United tenure is assessing the attitude of his potential new signings. Players who appear to understand the ethos of the club and what it means to represent one of the biggest sports teams on the planet.
Within less than a year of signing for United, centre-back Harry Maguire was named captain of the club, demonstrating just how quickly the Englishman understood the privilege of playing at Old Trafford.
Another prime example arrived in the shape of fans’ favourite Bruno Fernandes, one of the most influential players in the Premier League since his arrival. He is the embodiment of Solskjaer’s knack for recognising a signing who grasps the opportunity of putting on the famous colours of United.
An area of recruitment that represents not only the United boss' habit of identifying the right profile of a player but also an area in which United have had difficulties over the last decade, is the acquisition of experienced players.
Over the years, United have attempted to bolster their squad through players that have had vast experience in European football such as Bastian Schweinsteiger and Radamel Falcao, neither of whom, it is fair to say, worked out.
However, in his time as United boss, Solskjaer has recruited players such as Odion Ighalo and Edinson Cavani, who not only understood the stature of the club, but have also performed and delivered when called upon, suggesting steps are being made in the right direction by United in the recruitment of more seasoned players.
A notable mention would have to go to the players Solskjaer has offloaded during his time in charge too, with the likes of Alexis Sanchez, Chris Smalling, Ashley Young and Marcos Rojo all sold after they became surplus to requirements at Old Trafford.
When assessing the development of the squad under his tenure, Solskjaer has done a stellar job in transforming United into a side that seems better equipped to challenge in all competitions. With big European names such as Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane joining the first-team ranks, it shows the project of building the best United squad since Ferguson's time at the club is nearing completion.
What do you think about Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's recruitment at United? Follow our new United Fan Brands Writer/Transcriber Anil Kandola on Twitter to get involved in the discussion and give us your thoughts in the comments section below.
