It has been an arduous season for Manchester United, as the imbalance and tactical inexperience of its manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has shown. Arguments have been made against the Norwegian's suitability for the United job, and some have clamoured for his sack. The spate of poor results churned out this season is still to convince the decision-makers at the club to do away with Solskjaer.
Manchester United have leaked goals this season, with only one clean sheet in 21 matches. The worst period this season was when the team conceded 11 goals in three Premier League matches. Four goals in a 4-2 loss to Leicester City, five at home to Liverpool in a 5-0 loss and a further two to Manchester City in a 2-0 loss has heaped immense pressure on the manager.
Despite their derailing season, the top hierarchy at the club are reluctant to pull the stick that brings down the guillotine on the Norwegian. It has led to the accusations levelled at the Glazers of keeping Ole in the job because he is a yes man.
As bad results continue to remain, reports suggest that Zinedine Zidane will become Solskjaer's replacement.
Ole’s position weakened amid Zidane’s arrival
Once upon a time, Manchester City were the noisy neighbours, and Liverpool couldn’t get a sniff at the Premier League, but those times seem to be in a time long lost to history. The two clubs have, however, over the years been able to maintain their position as United’s fiercest rivals. To United fans, the team must not lose to these two clubs and especially not at Old Trafford.
Losing to Liverpool and Manchester City at Old Trafford is a bitter pill that Ole has forced down the throat of the fans.
Manchester United had the opportunity to sign Antonio Conte, but United defeated Tottenham 3-0, giving a reprieve to Solskjaer and allowing Spurs to beat them to the Italian.
Now, a few reports via The Mirror have it that the club has made a list of potential replacements for Ole. The list has former Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane and Brendan Rodgers, with Mauricio Pochettino in line for the job.
Zidane is credited with a reluctance to take on the job, though he is the favourite.
United unserious about a new manager
In the face of disappointing results, clubs like Norwich City, Aston Villa and Watford were quick to make the bold decision of sending their managers packing. United have, however, shown support for its manager that defies logic.
It has been three years of failure and modest achievements coated in undeserved glory, yet the United board is adamant about firing Solskjaer. Despite the latest loss to Manchester City, the Norwegian saw it right to take time off during the international break.
The atmosphere at the club is one of uncertainty, with Zidane rumoured to be close to taking over.
By :
Steven D. Thompson
