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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer started his stint as the permanent manager of Manchester United with a gritty win at Old Trafford against Watford on Saturday. The Norwegian has been fantastic ever since taking charge of the club in December. Even though the race to the Champions League places are far from over, Solskjaer has managed to take United to 4th position, level on points with Tottenham at third.
There is a spring to United’s steps right now, and Old Trafford appears bright and sunny again. Solskjaer has managed 15 wins from his 20 games in charge so far and it is quite natural that the future looks optimistic.
Ever since Sir Alex’s retirement, the Premier League Giants have taken a few steps backwards and have not been the force that they once were. With the Norwegian’s appointment, there’s renewed hope in the air, and a belief among players and fans alike. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has all the ingredients to take Manchester United back to their Glory days and here are 5 reasons why.
#5 Better prepared for the Transfer Window
Solskjaer joined United in December and had an instant impact in the team. But as we approach April, it is clear that United need smart buys and good investments in the upcoming transfer window. The squad is decent and the players have improved under the Norwegian’s stewardship of late. But it is also true that United cannot compete in Europe or challenge for the League with just this set of players.
This is where the Transfer Window becomes crucial, and the Norwegian has a big advantage. Any new manager coming in would have required time to assess his squad first hand before he could have been truly aware of the gaps. Solskjaer already knows the gaps right now. He has used the players in his tactical setups and he is aware of the positions where United are coming short.
As such, Manchester United will be better prepared come July. They will have their shortlist ready and will have the bargaining chips in hand. This transfer window is perhaps the most vital since Sir Alex’s Ferguson's retirement, keeping the future in mind, but United and Solskjaer will be ready.
#4 His brand of football
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer already has a fantastic attacking brand of football, right in line with United’s heritage. The Norwegian uses an attacking 4-3-3 formation, which is a little different from the 4-4-2 that was extensively used under Sir Alex Ferguson. However, it is equally exciting and is also the formation used by the majority of the big clubs in Europe at present.
In his three months in charge, the Norwegian has shown an inclination towards a flexible shape, which means that the players have the freedom to switch to a diamond or a flat 4-4-2 during games. It has not been very effective so far, but Solskjaer is on the right path.
The United manager also relies on a pressing, counter-attacking brand of football, which is pleasing to the eye. With time and just the correct investment in the summer, the few crude edges of Solskjaer’s tactics will smoothen. With time, his brand of football will take United back to the glory days.
#3 Focus on Youth
The Norwegian has the same focus on youth that made United a European Superpower. Solskjaer was the reserves team manager for four years and knows the set up at United very well. Besides, he is a former player himself and has seen how important it is to invest in youth. During his time as the reserves coach, the Norwegian has also worked with a few youth players and is aware of the endless possibilities they possess.
Solskjaer, since joining United, has been a great guide for the teenagers at the Club. He has displayed the right attitude, has provided them with the correct exposure and knows that he has a few gems in his hand right now. Chong, Gomes, Garner and Greenwood are on the verge of breaking into the team, and they have the right manager to show them the way.
As such, under the Norwegian, United will be emphasizing on further strengthening the youth set up. And it will guide United back to the glory days.
#2 He has already created a backbone for his team
Sir Alex Ferguson’s great teams were built on a solid backbone of youth and experience. Over the years, the legendary Scot made the right reinforcements to his teams to keep United in the game. He replenished the ageing and departing players with young blood or the perfect replacements. But the basis of his great teams was always a solid set of players who had the qualities to take the team forward.
As of now, Solskjaer already has a stellar backbone at his disposal to build a team around. The Norwegian has one of the best goalkeepers in the world in David De Gea, whose contract will most definitely be renewed. Luke Shaw also looks like a world-class talent and Lindelof has developed with leaps and bounds.
Paul Pogba should get even better under a manager who finally understands and trusts him. And the phenomenal duo of Martial and Rashford are already reminding us of some legendary strike partnerships of old.
The summer will be interesting, and with some extremely talented youth players under his wings as well, Solskjaer seems to have the recipe for success ready. And it is a reason why the Norwegian could take United back to the glory days.
#1 Ambition
Ever since Solskjaer gave his first press conference as a United manager, it was clear that he had the ambition required to be a United manager. He was optimistic and motivated and gave players their due recognition. He had a very positive approach towards games and was always honest with his opinions. But it was also his desire that caught the eye.
The Norwegian urged United to score more goals and lamented the missed opportunities even after securing wins. He openly declared that United should always go into every game aiming for a win. Even though the Red Devils had a lot of problems when he took over, he was adamant that they would fight in all fronts. It is this attitude of the Norwegian that gives a lot of hopes for the future.
Solskjaer’s desire to compete for all trophies next season and to win a silverware for United too says a lot about the man. And there is no doubt that he will inspire the club back to the glory days.
