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Three wins in a row are amazing, and guess what? Everyone at Manchester United is extremely happy. Even the director of football, Ed Woodward, can afford to put on a smile having watched United been torn to shreds by Liverpool two weeks ago. Of course, the atmosphere at Old Trafford has changed. The team is back to winning ways.
Paul Pogba, Marcus Rashford, and Anthony Martial are now playing their best football ever in United colours in the wake of Jose Mourinho's sacking. These young players are playing incredibly well after been given the much-needed freedom to exhibit their talent. The kind of freedom they did not enjoy under Mourinho.
In the last three games, we have witnessed back to back wins for United in the Premier League. In that regard, the fans are been treated to a new brand of football which is much more fun. Surprisingly, players such as Pogba and Martial are starting to showcase their formidable talent.
Oddly, the team is slowly closing in on the gap between them and the top four teams. The team looks refreshed under new interim manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. The gap between Manchester United and the fifth-placed Arsenal, who lost in the weekend, is only three points. The only stumbling block is Chelsea, who have been in fine form lately.
If United remain consistent for the remainder of the season, they may book a spot in the top four. If they continue playing well by collecting maximum points, the Red Devils may book a spot in the UEFA Champions’ League next season.
Here are a couple of reasons why they might make it to the top four in the Premier league table this season.
1. Paul Pogba
The relationship between Pogba and Mourinho had hit rock bottom at United. It was inevitable that a move away from Old Trafford was coming for Pogba after a series of clashes with his manager; that saw him drop to the bench for a majority of games.
Fortunate enough, Manchester United sacked Mourinho at the right time and appointed a caretaker manager. Now, United usher into the New Year with lots of optimism surrounding Pogba's future. First, the Frenchman is playing his best football ever. In the last three games, Pogba has been involved in every goal scored by Manchester United.
On Sunday, his heroics saw him win the MOM honours for his dominance against Bournemouth. If he continues playing the way he does and stays fit, there is no reason why the Red Devils won’t finish in the top four. Pogba is that important to Manchester United.
2. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
When United sacked Mourinho, many were left puzzled as to who was going to replace him for the remainder of the season. Speculations surrounding the managerial seat were all over the media. As a matter of fact, nobody expected Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to get the job as interim manager, but he did get it.
Solskjaer has brought the swagger back at Manchester United. Now, the team is playing with style, purpose, and freedom. The manager has boosted the morale of all his players. Also, the atmosphere in the dressing room seems to be lifted as well.
The Norwegian is reminding United players the essence of playing good football. The kind of football that is much more fun, poise and entertaining to the home fans. Nonetheless, the interim manager keeps playing down his chances of becoming the full-time manager. However, we all have to admit that United’s decision of bringing in Solskjaer at this stage of the season was a masterstroke.
Endnote
With Solskjaer at the helm, United are starting to show some fight in the race for a top-four finish. The belief the Norwegian is instilling in his players is starting to bear fruit, and it is showing in recent results.
However, the manager is not getting carried away by the recent results. The Premier League is a tough place and allowing any room for complacency would see United drop down in the race for a top-four finish.
Will Solskjaer be able to create a ‘winning mentality’ same or even close to that of Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United? Only time will tell.
