Solskjaer – who won several trophies during his time as a player at Old Trafford – still has to win silver as a United coach despite several near misses.
Published: September 19, 2021 12:47 PM |
Last updated: September 19, 2021 12:47 p.m.
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MANCHESTER: Manchester United’s shocking Champions League defeat by Swiss champions Young Boys has already increased the pressure on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer despite an impressive start to the Premier League season.
One top-class teams, including Cristiano Ronaldo and £ 100m ($ 138m) newcomers in Raphael Varane and Jadon Sancho, suffered an embarrassing 2-1 defeat in Bern.
United took over on Tuesday Leading in the first encounter of Group F in Switzerland, but the plans went wrong after Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s dismissal.
Despite individual mistakes by his men, Solskjaer remained in the line of fire, with his in-game management under the microscope was taken.
Ronaldo has been with the club since his return from Juventus and has scored three goals in two games.
But the fanfare for the five-time Ballon d’Or winner brings Solskjaer in one Probably the most crucial season for the Norwegian.
The 48-year-old coach received a new three-year contract in July, a reward for the progress United has made in the three years since he was replaced by Jose Mourinho.
United finished second in the Premier League last season and qualified for the Champions League for the second time in a row since Alex Ferguson’s resignation in 2013.
But Solskjaer – the one during his Time as a player at Old Trafford won several trophies – still has to win silver as a United coach despite several near-misses.
Given the talent that is now available to him, even a victory in the League Cup or in the FA Cup won’t be enough to save his job if United doesn’t present a serious challenge for the Premier League or Champions League.
Former United striker Louis Saha said the V he could « afford » defeat in Switzerland because he had a chance of recovery, but he believes that Solskjaer will have less room for maneuver this season due to the strength of his squad.
« I think so he is more quickly questioned because the team has no weaknesses, « he said. « It’s a very strong side for me. »
The Red Devils start the weekend at the top of the Premier League with 10 points from their first four games, with a possibly tricky trip to West Ham on Sunday.
However, some of the same shortcomings that emerged mid-week were also shown in league games against Southampton, Wolves and Newcastle, only that United was saved by their offensive talents.Despite their three wins, the team lacked cohesion and it had Struggling to gain control of the games, relying on moments of isolated magic from players like Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba.
Solskjaer has the unenviable task of balancing defense and attack while keeping all of his star names happy.
Marcus Rashford and Edinson Cavani don’t have to play this season due to injury, but will soon be with Ronaldo, Sancho, Mason Greenwood, Anthony Martial, Jes se Lingard, Donny van de Beek and Juan Mata are fighting for places.
Behind them Fernandes and Pogba started the season in good form, but their compatibility in a midfield three against stronger opponents is still up for debate.
« We have goals, I know that, it’s about finding a balance in the rest of the line-up, » said Solskjaer after Newcastle made Ronaldo’s return home much more difficult last weekend than the 4-1 suggests.
His attempts to find that balance in Switzerland were hampered by Wan-Bissaka’s dismissal, but he was criticized for his use of substitutes and tactics.
Solskjaer then wondered why he had deposed Ronaldo in the first place and why he didn’t remove the 36-year-old sooner – which shows how difficult it will be to keep everyone happy.
The only way to muffle the noise is to get back on winning roads, starting again on Sunday at the London Stadium.
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