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Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is having a difficult time managing the Red Devils. With just 17 points from 11 games in the Premier League, United are surely expected to do better.
The tactics applied by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer are sure to be questioned but the intent of his players is equally questionable. Irrespective of the strategy, some of the players haven't performed to the level expected.
Some of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's former Manchester United teammates were world-class
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was once a Manchester United player and a very good one at that. His goal-scoring abilities, especially after coming on as a substitute, were a delight to watch.
During his time with the Red Devils, the Norwegian was blessed to play with some of the finest players in the history of the Premier League. Had some of them been available under his management, it would have been a lot easier for him.
On that note, let's take a look at some of the former Manchester United stars who could have been helpful to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the current scenario.
#5 Denis Irwin
The silent and calm left-back was certainly one of the most underrated players under Sir Alex Ferguson. With the Class of 92 players getting most of the limelight, players like Denis Irwin did not get the recognition they deserved.
The Irish left-back played with utmost consistency and was a very reliable figure both in attack and defense. Sir Alex Ferguson counted on Irwin to step up whenever needed and he did. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer saw Luke Shaw perform wonderfully well last season but the Englishman has had a drastic dip in form this season.
At times when the former Molde manager needed more reliability from his vulnerable defense, there was no better player than Denis Irwin who could have helped. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer would have loved to have seen his former team-mate bombard effective crosses for the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Edinson Cavani to capitalize.
#4 Jaap Stam
Speaking of Manchester United's defense, it is a known fact that the signing of Raphael Varane was desperately needed. United under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer have leaked goals left, right and center.
The arrival of Varane has helped but during his absence the team has struggled immensely. Even Manchester United captain and centre-back Harry Maguire has had some poor displays this season. In times like these, a defender of Jaap Stam's quality and leadership would have been of great use.
The Dutch centre-back had a stunning personality with a lot of aggression, intellect and sharpness in his game. Players were scared of the former Ajax defender and had it been possible, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer would have benefitted a lot from the presence of someone like Stam.
#3 Michael Carrick
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Manchester United has a young and relatively inexperienced coaching staff at his disposal. Michael Carrick is one of the members of his team in the dugout.
During the peak of his playing career, Carrick was one of the best midfielders the country had. His intellectual and technical abilities on and off the ball proved extremely beneficial to Manchester United. Carrick was able to perform the role of a defensive midfielder more than convincingly.
His incisive passing and creative qualities combined with his ball-winning and intercepting abilities would be ideal for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's team right now. Especially when Manchester United so desperately need a defensive midfielder, Carrick would have been the right fit in this case.
#2 Wayne Rooney
Ever since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013, Manchester United have seen a difficult phase. The club were used to success on a regular basis but that hasn't been the case since the Scotsman left the club.
The only constant post Sir Alex's retirement was Wayne Rooney. The Englishman carried the club on his shoulders with all the passion and love one can have for a club. He even played in different positions to help out Manchester United in various scenarios. There are very few players who have the technical abilities, aggression and commitment to be as good as Rooney.
The former Everton forward could have played in a number of positions in the current Manchester United squad as well. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer would have had a lot of flexibility both in his tactics and formation with the presence of Rooney in the team.
#1 Paul Scholes
When the likes of a great midfielder like Xavi admires a player, there must be something special about him. That's right, that player is Paul Scholes, arguably one of the best central midfielders of his generation.
In today's game, where midfielders hold such a dominant stature, the Englishman would have blossomed like anything. Scholes had the tactical understanding and reading of the game that most players would dream of. His passing range and vision combined with his defensive abilities was second to none in his prime.
The current Manchester United midfield lacks that creativity, tenacity and smart authority during games. With Paul Scholes in the team, the majority of the problems faced by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer would be solved.
For that to happen, the Englishman would have to come out of retirement for the second time in his career. Manchester United wouldn't mind, certainly not.
