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Manchester United confirmed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's appointment as the permanent manager of the club yesterday, ending days of speculation regarding the future of the Norwegian. The United board deserve credit for taking such a proactive stance and the early appointment will help United plan the upcoming days better.
Even though the Norwegian had a fantastic start to life as the Caretaker Manager of the club, the road ahead is not so rosy. In this article, we take a look at the 3 immediate issues at Manchester United for Solskjaer to worry about.
#3 Contract Renewals
The Norwegian’s first worries will be the contract renewals of some of his key players. The 1 year extension has been activated in David De Gea’s contract, which means that the Spaniard is surely staying for the next season. But Solskjaer now has to ensure that De Gea commits his long term future at Old Trafford. The Spaniard is currently on £200K per week, but negotiations are on, which could see him earn significantly more.
On the other hand, Ander Herrera’s contract also expires in the summer. The Spaniard has been a key feature of Solskjaer’s team and the Norwegian will be desperate to have his midfield dynamo in the team next season. Herrera is supposedly on a £75K per week salary, which United have to increase to keep him at Old Trafford.
Among the other players who are also without a contract in the summer are Juan Mata, Andreas Pereira and Matteo Darmian. Mata has not sealed a first team place under Solskjaer, but is still an important squad member. Pereira has done admirably whenever called upon and his age should entice the Norwegian. Matteo Darmian, on the other hand, has rarely featured for Solskjaer, making just 2 appearances and playing only 91 minutes. The Italian could be on the way out, however, the new boss will have the final say.
Whatever decisions Solskjaer takes on the contract renewals of these men will have an impact on United’s transfer business in the summer and their performance next season.
#2 Top four finish
United are currently 5th in the table, 2 points adrift of Arsenal at 4th and 3 points away from Tottenham at 3rd. While both 3rd and 4th position would appear attainable on paper, the reality is a little different.
United have home games against Manchester City and Chelsea next month, while they also play Wolves away and Watford at home. Other games include home ties against West Ham and Cardiff City and away games against Everton and Huddersfield.
Expecting United to win all games from now until the end of the season is a tough ask, so the Norwegian has to depend on the results of his opponents. This is where things look a little bleak.
Arsenal have a relatively easier run of games, where they face none of the top 6. Only 3 of their 8 opponents are currently in the top half of the table – Wolves, Watford and Leicester City, however, all three are away games for the Gunners.
Tottenham, on the other hand, have away games at Liverpool and Manchester City, so it could be trickier for Pochettino’s side. Chelsea could also steal a march on their rivals, as they are just a point away from United at 6th.
Now that his future is sorted, Solskjaer has to ensure United fight till the end for the coveted 4th spot.
#1 Transfer Strategy
Manchester United are reportedly going to appoint a Director of Football to oversee transfer business. As of now, no such appointment has been confirmed by the club and until that happens, the Norwegian has to carry out the planning himself.
The squad does need some reinforcements in the summer to compete at all fronts. A defender remains a priority, even though Lindelof and Smalling have been decent in recent games. Solskjaer has to decide whether he trusts these two or if he wants someone in the summer.
The right side of the United attack has cried out for support for quite some time now, so Solskjaer will be sorting out his target. Also, Valencia’s impending departure means that the club is also short at the right-back position.
Things should have been a little more settled in the midfield, but Herrera’s contract situation could cause some worries. Solskjaer has to keep a close watch these as well and decide in time if the Spaniard’s departure and a new investment is worth the risk.
