Like it or lump it, Manchester United are title challengers this season. The heavy investment made on the squad has made sure of that. Unlike previous seasons where the Red Devils gaffer Ole Solskjaer practically coasted through without any pressure, the 2021/22 campaign is a different ball game.
The Glazers made quite an outlay bringing in Cristiano Ronaldo, Raphael Varane and Jadon Sancho, raising expectations.
For the umpteenth time in his United managerial career, Solskjaer has come under pressure to deliver. There were rumours earlier this week of a possible sack of the Norwegian after the team fell in Bern to Young Boys.
The rumours have refused to go away despite making a brilliant start to the domestic campaign.
Solskjaer unperturbed by sack rumours
On Sunday afternoon, Manchester United took on high flying West Ham in a challenging Premier League tie. It was supposed to be United’s first real test of their championship credentials this season, and it lived up to the hype.
After the game, which United won by the slightest of margins, Solskjaer dodged the question concerning their title ambitions preferring to knock the rumours that made the rounds concerning his job.
Speaking on the situation as quoted by ESPN, Solskjaer said it was just five games played so far and too early to talk about the title. He commented on the loss to Young Boys on Tuesday, saying he was down from work yesterday, but the mood has changed, and that’s the way it is at Old Trafford.
Solskjaer also said his team deserved the three points and hopes it will eventually count for something. He went on to push any talk of winning the title to April and May.
Solskjaer is unworried about his job and believes that he will be at Old Trafford for a while. To go with, odds from bookmakers suggest Ole Solskjaer is safe at United, at least for now.
Deficiencies in the team
West Ham proved a worthy opponent, and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer agreed. Despite securing vital three points at a very tough ground, the Norwegian is still not satisfied.
Said Benrahma put West Ham in the lead before Cristiano Ronaldo got the equalizer for the Red Devils. It was Ronaldo’s fourth goal in three games. Jesse Lingard struck in the 89th minute to put Manchester United in the, but a stoppage-time penalty save by David De Gea off Mark Noble secured all three points for the Old Trafford outfit.
Solskjaer was disappointed with the way his side defended, and he hopes they can improve on that. According to him, they need to work on their defence. He said his team has to make it difficult for opposing teams to break them down.
Manchester United play West Ham again on Wednesday in the Carabao Cup.
By :
Steven D. Thompson
