Ole Gunnar Solskjaer: Five things Manchester United manager must do after replacing Jose Mourinho
What is waiting for Solskjaer in his Old Trafford in-tray?
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.1. Heal the wounds
The priority at Manchester United after Jose Mourinho's dismissal is to heal the wounds opened by the Portuguese over the course of last year.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, an Old Trafford folk hero, is viewed as someone able to do that. The telling line in the statement which announced his appointment as caretaker manager came from Ed Woodward.
"We are confident they will unite the players and the fans as we head into the second half of the season," United's executive vice-chairman said.
In the wake of Mourinho's dismissal, United want to encourage a positive environment and culture around the club, something that was lost in the final weeks and months of Mourinho's tenure.
2. Get the best out of Pogba
Mourinho's troubled relationship with club record signing Paul Pogba was another significant factor in his dismissal.
It should not be ignored that the tensions between the pair first fully surfaced shortly after Mourinho signed a contract extension in January, with Pogba dropped for the Champions League knock-out tie against Sevilla shortly after.
Pogba is not free from responsibility for his below-par performances, but the nagging sense that Mourinho never fully trusted and encouraged the midfielder remains. Solskjaer, meanwhile, said earlier this year that he would "build the team around" Pogba were he in Mourinho's chair.
Suddenly, he is, and the Norwegian finds himself reunited with a player he worked with while in charge of United's reserves eight years ago. Extracting the best out of Pogba, United's most naturally-gifted player, would be an easy way for Solskjaer to prove he is the right man to take temporary charge.
3. Shore up the defence
Though an attack-minded coach, Solskjaer needs to shore up a defence that is the fifth-worst in the Premier League, with a poorer record than second-bottom Huddersfield Town.
While new signings may be required for there to be a significant improvement, United's current defensive record can surely be bettered in the second half of the campaign.
It will require an organisation that was strangely lacking under Mourinho and would be helped by David de Gea rediscovering the consistently excellent form he was in last year, rather than merely looking human.
4. Address the Matic issue
The problems with United's defence may have something to do with the lack of protection it receives and though he is not solely to blame, Nemanja Matic's recent performances have been concerning.
A Mourinho loyalist, Matic retained his place in the starting line-up despite looking severely off-the-pace and being regularly over-ran by more dynamic opponents. Some other squad members could not understand why, when other players were dropped on the basis of one performance, the Serbian always started.
It may be that Matic is, like many of his team-mates, suffering a protracted spell of poor form that has not been helped by wider problems at the club, though it is hard not to think the 30-year-old needs a break out of the side and other defensive midfield options should be explored.
5. Restore Lukaku's early promise
Having a £75m striker befitting of the price tag would go a long way to solving United's problems. Romelu Lukaku's best form came shortly after his arrival and coincided with the most promising spell of Mourinho's tenure.
Back then, Lukaku was a lithe and confident player capable of offering a physical threat and running in behind. He appeared to have picked up where he had left off after an impressive end to the 2016-17 season with Everton.
This year, however, Lukaku has lost that edge, with the Belgian admitting himself that gaining too much muscle mass in the build-up to the World Cup. Can Solskjaer, a fine penalty box predator himself, rediscover Lukaku's early promise?
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments