After picking up just two wins in the last six, United boss Solskjaer is feeling the heat and considering they signed off before the domestic break with yet another disappointing result, the pressure doesn’t seem as if it’ll ease up over the next few weeks.
After the international break, United have a mammoth fixture list, with the likes of Liverpool, Manchester City and Atalanta twice all to come in the next few weeks.
In the latest United On My Mind Facebook live, United fan brands writer Casey Evans was joined by United trends writer Anil Kandola as they discussed all things United-related, including where the recent performances leave Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
CE : “We’re not out of the title race yet, most fans won’t be confident of a title charge but at the moment we’re still in with a shout if we pull some form out because other teams have dropped points.”
“I think there will be a couple of teams in it and United need to make sure they’re involved. But the question is- what does Solskjaer do? The MEN understands that the club is completely happy with Solskjaer. The club is as of now happy with Solskjaer. Games and results could change that.”
“We need to change our tactics and adapt the system we have. I don’t think there was a plan for Ronaldo. This is where the problem lies- we have (Cristiano) Ronaldo and we need to make use of him. The diamond formation would allow us to accommodate Ronaldo, there’s a wild 3-4-3 that may work but I feel there definitely needs to be a shift.”
“In those big games Solskjaer will default to his normal formation but in these smaller games, it gives an opportunity to experiment.”
AK : “The formation against Everton suited Manchester United, but the problem again seems to be the tactics. It’s a pivotal time for Solskjaer. It’s a tough place for him to be in.”
“If you look at the competition in a managerial aspect, he’s coming up against Pep Guardiola, Jurgen Klopp and Thomas Tuchel- all proven European managers who have won domestic competitions and Champions Leagues.”
“It would be unfair to say Solskjaer is a bad manager considering the job he’s done with the squad. He ripped out everyone who was surplus to requirements and replaced them with players who realise and understand the mentality and ethos of Manchester United which is a huge credit to him.”
“But in terms of playing styles and tactics, it’s beginning to feel like he’s out of his depth. It’s horrible to see because out of all of the managers post- Sir Alex Ferguson, Solskjaer is the one that we’ve all wanted to do well, the most. It’s bitterly disappointing and it’s quite sad in a way.”
“It feels like he’s been the only manager that’s made his time at United about the team and not his ego which is a credit to him, but my reservations are still there as to whether he can be the man to take us to titles.”
CE : “These six-point games coming up because it’ll put us out of the mix if we lose these games.”
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