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With eight wins in eight games, Ole has surely changed the mood and tempo at Manchester United. United have never looked better since Sir Alex Ferguson left, and are looking strong enough to finish the season on a high, with at least a finish in the top four.
Ole will need his players to carry on in the same fashion, especially with the tough set of matches to come in February and March. We take a look at five players who will play an important role in defining Ole's time as United's caretaker manager.
#5 Ander Herrera
The Spanish midfielder has always tried to give his best at United, irrespective of the manager he plays under. Under Louis Van Gaal, he seemed to have made a mark, but slowly his chances faded away.
Similarly, Jose Mourinho rated Herrera highly, but he wasn’t seen in many of the matches United played. Under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, it’s like Herrera has found a new lease of life at United, in what could be called an ideal role for him.
In the midfield trio of Nemanja Matic, Ander Herrera, and Paul Pogba, the former Athletic Bilbao midfielder has shone amazingly well. His defensive understanding and reading of the game has helped United time and again to break the opposition, and at the same time kick-start counters.
Herrera has not only been active defensively, but has also contributed significantly well with a goal and 2 assists ever since Ole took over. His work-rate has been a key factor in his performances, and there is no doubt that Ole will look upon Herrera to carry on with the same form.
#4 Victor Lindelof
It is true that United’s biggest concerns lie in their defence. All three managers before Ole were found complaining about the weak defence, but somehow United haven’t been able to rejuvenate the back-line with new additions over the years.
The board seems to be reluctant about signing a new player in the January window, which only means that Ole is left with the current defensive players to see out the season. A blessing for Ole has been the form of Swedish centre back, Victor Lindelof, who has been absolutely solid at the back in each of the matches he has played under Ole.
His leadership and reading at the back has been a boon for United, as he looks like a solid player to have in the heart of the defence. Of course, with a quality partner alongside him, Lindelof can only get better, but for now, the Iceman’s performance is key.
#3 David de Gea
David de Gea has been United’s saviour more than often ever since Sir Alex Ferguson retired, and it is surprising how people are still reluctant to term him the best goalkeeper in the world right now.
The Spaniard has been truly phenomenal between the sticks, and although he has been unlucky to not get a good number of clean sheets, his performances have continued to be impressive.
Under Ole, De Gea has been no different. In fact, at Wembley against Spurs, De Gea went on to make eleven saves in the match, which was a record in itself. Had it not been for him, Ole and United might not have had this winning streak.
With plenty of big games coming up, De Gea will be needed at his best by Ole, and certainly the former Atletico Madrid goalkeeper won’t let him down.
#2 Marcus Rashford
Louis Van Gaal did United a huge favour by promoting Marcus Rashford to the first team. Ever since then, it has been a wonderful journey for the young Englishman, both at club and international level.
Although under Jose Mourinho, it looked as if Rashford was struggling and needed to be loaned, he has come out shining under Ole, and proven his capabilities. The English striker has amassed five goals to his name under Ole, and looks lethal going forward.
He looks more confident than ever, and it is safe to say that on the basis of current form, he looks a more dangerous striker than Romelu Lukaku. His spark and energy in the attack can do wonders for Ole in the next two months, and it will play an important part in defining Ole’s time as United’s caretaker manager.
#1 Paul Pogba
It is no secret that the relationship between Paul Pogba and Jose Mourinho had faded this season. Pogba was not seen in the starting line-up after a reported rift between the two. Both Pogba and Jose struggled to come on the same page, and eventually when things didn’t work for Jose, he was sacked by United, which saw Ole enter the frame.
With Ole’s arrival, things have drastically changed both in the dressing room and on the pitch. Players have looked happier, and are expressing themselves better on the pitch. The biggest revolution under Ole is the form of Paul Pogba.
Pogba has already scored 5 goals and assisted in 4 others for United since Ole took over. He is slowly looking the player he was touted to be, and on current form, he is arguably one of the best players in the Premier League.
It is safe to say that if Pogba can carry on in fine form, he might help Ole get the full time job at United, and that is why he is crucial.
