Indications have shown that Manchester United is lining up former Tottenham Hotspur manager, Mauricio Pochettino as Ole Gunnar Solksjaer’s replacement.
This is following the club’s woeful start in the Premier League, losing two of their first three games.
The only win of the season so far against Brighton had come in a controversial manner- thanks to the new handball rule, that saw Bruno Fernades converting the last kick of the match to give the Red Devils a 3-2 victory at the Amex Stadium.
It was gathered that the board will want to see how the new signings will improve the squad before deciding if they will continue their relationship with the former Man United striker, who is under immense pressure following their 6-1 hammering against Spurs last Sunday.
Since he took over the job on a permanent basis in March 2019, United has spent over £250m on players. Part of the huge spending was big-money moves last season for Harry Maguire, Bruno Fernandes, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
The Norwegian further signed Donny van de Beek in September this year. Former PSG striker, Edinson Cavani is the latest high-profile signing at Old Trafford.
The club also completed deals for Brazil left-back Alex Telles and Facundo Pellistri on Deadline Day.
Solksjaer’s record at Man United
Solskjaer has so far won 51 games in 94. He became the third-fastest manager to reach 50 wins after Ernest Mangnall (78 games) and Jose Mourinho (81 games). His 50th win came against Luton Town in the third round of the Carabao Cup which was his 92nd game.
He has also become the 13th manager to reach the number and will overtake Louis van Gaal (54) with a another five wins.
But can he beat the record of Ferguson, who recorded a mammoth 895 successes between 1986 and 2013? That’s if he stays longer.
The Norwegian became Man U boss on an interim basis in late 2018. He got off to a superb start by beating Cardiff City 5-1. This was the first time the club had notched five in a Premier League game since Sir Alex Ferguson’s final match in charge (a 5-5 draw with West Bromwich Albion).
He won his first eight games in charge, and his first nine consecutive away games, setting club records.
In his then 19-match unbeaten run from January to July 2020, he won 14 games. United then took the third spot in the league after dislodging Leicester City and Chelsea.
He also took United to the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup, the FA Cup, and the Europa League.
Why Manchester United wants to replace Solksjaer
Having finished third in the Premier League last season, United has started 2020/21 disappointingly. Their recent performances have seen the club heavily criticized once again.
With the situation he has found himself, Solskjaer has to start delivering results on the pitch with the players he has signed or gets booted out.
It was gathered that there has been little faith in the recruitment system because it’s been so mishmash since 2013. The Red Devils have spent a huge amount on players, but most of it has been spent really badly.
“I did have confidence that Ole Gunnar was bringing in better players and was identifying better players and if you would have asked me three or four months ago – Harry Maguire, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Bruno Fernandes, Dan James – I would have spoke pretty well about all of them. Less so now after the start to the season.
“They’re players who have played well in the past and I hope they’ll play well again in the future, but it is baffling how players who have looked so good collectively are now looking so bad.
“United need to start getting results. It will not be acceptable if the club start this season and in the runup to Christmas with as few wins as they had last year. There are minimum expectations and Ole Gunnar’s got to get results,” football writer Andy Mitten said recently.
Although United fans love Solksjaer, it is not known when their patience will wear out. Conceding six goals at home is a big blow to a big team as United and he took the blame for it. United fans would love things to work out with Solksjaer, but there are doubts.
Seeing him leave will create another cycle for the club and fans having seen the exit of David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, and Jose Mourinho.
Getting support will also help him in the long run as United will want to build a dynasty seen during Sir Alex Ferguson’s era. But the current football clime doesn’t have much patience because result is key.
United won’t want to be fighting for the top four with such reinforcement, but be among the title contenders. Solksjaer might not be able to get Jadon Sancho but was able to get the ones he sanctioned as well.
With 11 goals conceded in their first three Premier League games, it’s been a really turbulent start to the season.
How can Solksjaer save his job?
Now that they have failed to land their prime target, Sancho, Barcelona’s Ousmane Dembele or Watford’s Ismaila Sarr, what is left for the Red Devils manager is to use what he has to get what he wants.
There could be a change in the form with the new signings and the international break has come at the right time for Solksjaer. At least, he will have a week to figure out the best way he can bring the best out if this squad of talented players and save his job.
Once he fails to do that, the likes of Pochentino, Brendan Rodger, Max Allegri, Ralf Rangnick, and Erik ten Hag could be offered the ole.
