Manchester United’s 1-1 draw with Arsenal on Monday night at Old Trafford condemned the twenty-time English Premier League (EPL) champions to their worst start to a season for 30 years.
United’s 9 points in the current league season under Ole Gunnar Solskjær is also the worst start to a Premier League season after the first seven games.
Solskjær’s predecessor, Jose Mourinho accrued 10 points during the 2018/19 season while Sir Alex Ferguson’s successor, David Moyes collected 10 points as well in the 2013/14 season.
At long last, they were shown the exit door.
👋 Man Utd’s last 27 Premier League games under Jose Mourinho:
✅ Wins: 14
🤝 Draws: 6
❌ Losses: 7👀 Man Utd’s first 27 Premier League games under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer:
✅ Wins: 14
🤝 Draws: 6
❌ Losses: 7— ODDSbible (@ODDSbible)
However, by the look of things, Solskjær will not be axed – not just yet!
Moyes was unlucky to come in at a time when Manchester United were ruling England. The expectation was lofty considering they were champions five times in eight seasons.
Then, Mourinho. The Portuguese took up the Manchester United job as one of the most successful managers of all time. Having coached giants – Chelsea, Inter Milan and Real Madrid, there is no time for experiments!
Louis van Gaal too. Another big-name tactician. United expected his vast experience tutoring top teams in Europe to translate to major trophies.
But this is Solskjær’s first big job. Hence, the forbearance from the management and fans.
Solskjaer isn’t Pep or Klopp. He’s still learning trade, will make mistakes in selection, tactics. But he cares deeply about , tackles long-standing squad issues, recruits good players/characters (Maguire, James, Wan-Bissaka), backs youth. Needs time & a director of football
— Henry Winter (@henrywinter)
Even though many question his transfer policy, the Norwegian is right with his transfer decisions. Underperforming players were allowed to go, while the right players were purchased to fix positional issues.
Since 2013, the club have tried four completely different kinds of coaches. Now it has dawned on the institution and adherents that life after Ferguson is going to require a whole lot of perseverance!
Like the club’s former captain, Roy Keane rightly opined after last night’s game, the Red Army should stick to Solskjaer despite their shaky start to the season.
Historically-mighty Manchester United may not have shown much improvement in their results at the moment but if the club’s board remains patient with Solskjaer, performances could be better.
Truth is, it’s a long job for any manager that trains Manchester United Football club of England!