Ole Gunnar Solskjaer – Sack or Keep?

This blog is about one of the biggest questions in the footballing world. Ole is one of the few things that has divided the entire Manchester United fanbase at the moment and has been a topic of discussion since his permanent appointment in March 2019.

Some key facts (including his stint as the interim manager for 19 games):

• 76 games in charge
• 41 wins
• 16 draws
• 19 losses
• 0 trophies
• 135 goals for
• 76 goals against

The Stats aren’t too tempting, but since his appointment in December 2018, only Manchester City and Liverpool have won more points than Man Utd.

Since Sir Alex retired in 2013, the best finish we have ever seen is 2nd place under Jose Mourinho in 2018. Renowned managers like David Moyes, Louis Van Gaal and ‘The Special One’ have come in and did their thing to no great results. So, the real question here is, Do Manchester United need a manager who brings his own style?

Over the years, Man Utd have seen a tradition of promoting young, talented players right from their Academy, who have already been familiarized with ‘The United Way’. Sir Alex’s Class of 92 are the best examples of Academy Lads conquering the World of Football. In fact, since 1938 for 4000+ matches, Man Utd have named atleast one Academy Graduate in their starting eleven. But, managers like Moyes, LVG, Mourinho promoted only a few players to the squad and bought expensive players to suit their style of play, disrupting the players growth. Players like Depay, Di Maria, Lukaku, Sanchez all proved to be flops. The 3 number 7s combined to a goal tally of 15. Marcus Rashford alone surpassed the number this season, despite being injured.

Ole has brought back the United Way to the squad, selling players that don’t fulfill his quota and replacing them with Academy graduates or buying proven players, suiting his style. Even though it is still early, but Ole hasn’t set a foot wrong with his signings. The players he hired have all gained the confidence of the manager. All his 5 signings have been standout performers this season.

Players like Fred, Martial and Luke Shaw all have improved this season. From Martial being the lazy striker who was criticized week in and week out for not trying enough, has improved his work rate. His Pressures in the final third across the past 3 Premier League Seasons:

• 17/18 – 3.12
• 18/19 – 3.94
• 19/20 – 8.95

Academy Graduates like Marcus Rashford, Scott Mctominay, Mason Greenwood, Brandon Williams, Jesse Lingard and Andreas Pereira have seen ample of opportunities thrown given to them, Rashford is one of the first names on the team sheet, competing with World Class Wingers at a young age. The top scorer with 19, including a trademark CR7 Knuckleball Freekick against Chelsea. Mason Greenwood in his first full season in the first team has scored 12 goals and assisted 2, being compared to Robin Van Persie for his finishing ability. Mctominay has been the heart of the Manchester United midfield, showing his tenacity and leadership. Brandon Williams did well to replace an injured Luke Shaw and has registered himself as a LWB against bigger oppositions when Shaw plays as a LCB. In all, Ole has been promoting the Youth, and developing future world beaters. Man Utd has an average XI age of 24.8 years, showing Ole’s trust in them.

The Downs:

• Ole has been termed tactically inept by some pundits for him not being able to adjust his tactics according to the game plan.
• His inability to break down strong defenses.
• Weakness in Set Pieces
• Man Utd giving points away against smaller oppositions, who play on counter.
• The squad’s ineffectiveness against Low Blocks.

The Ups:

• Ole is only the second manager after Nuno Santo to do a league double against Pep Guardiola.
• Ole has collected points against all big 6 oppositions and broke Liverpool’s winning streak, doing a League Double against Chelsea and Manchester City.
• Ole’s United are very dangerous on the Counter with the pace of Rashford, Martial, Greenwood and Daniel James.
• His presence is a boost to the players as he has shown confidence in them and have helped them a lot in improving.
• United are undefeated in the FA Cup and are yet to concede a goal.
• The squad is hungrier for goals and back the Manager.
• His time at the club, under the Legendary Manager Sir Alex, has helped him to understand what the Manager and Players want. He has a knowledge about the club and ‘The United Way’.
• Ole has made some remarkable signings, and with an addition of a few players, could create havoc.

Verdict:

Ole should be the permanent manager and with a few additions, could take Manchester United back to the top. He is the right man for the rebuild and on being given some more time, could bring number 21 home.