Ole Gunnar Solskjaer | W15 D2 L4

Is Ole a good appointment?

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pocco said:
They could genuinely be injured?
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I'd definitely say they all have some sort of niggle at least. My guess is that some of them could have continued to play through them though. Just a guess, I'm not privy to that knowledge obviously.
 
VP89 said:
Not at all. Tottenham weren't anywhere near as polished under Sherwood as they became under Poch. Even since then he's signed the likes of Trippier, Delli Ali, Eric Dier, Alderweirald, Wanyama, Son, Lucas, Davis, Sissoko, and D. Sanchez. All of these players play a role towards the squad he's built. To put the efforts of what he has built down to him "inheriting most of his best players" is a lazy argument.

Yeah, he hasn't won anything but Ole hasn't either so when looking between these two best candidates we can't really knock points off Poch for failing to win silverware.

Regarding fortune if he's managed to get into the Champions League for 3 consecutive seasons(?) with a net spend of 30m I think his skill-set has more than luck. Sure there is no trophy for such an achievement but it's impressive nonetheless when you have 3 other clubs spending 300-500m more than you have on their squads.

I want to see how Poch does with a budget with this in mind. Doesn't have to be at our club, it can be somewhere else (just not with a domestic rival!)
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Hasn't Ole won championships with Molde? If you are talking about his time with United, isn't it unfair to judge him based on this point since he has been here for four months? If any, this would be an argument against Pochettino.
 
The obsession with Poch is a strange one. Sure, they've done well during his reign at Spurs but he's hardly done anything spectacular. Sure he ticks our youth and attacking football box but he barely sounds like a winner.

He's no tactical innovator either. His set up doesn't convince me one but especially looking at the players he uses for the roles. He plays a diamond without true playmakers for instance. He has Alli and Son and religiously tries to fit them in the same side although that's really difficult if not impossible if you're aiming for top honors. He has no qualms playing with absolute mediocrity in midfield. All of that us rather concerning and I'm not convinced he can change his ways. Where would his ambition be here if he does join?
 
RooneyLegend said:
The obsession with Poch is a strange one. Sure, they've done well during his reign at Spurs but he's hardly done anything spectacular. Sure he ticks our youth and attacking football box but he barely sounds like a winner.

He's no tactical innovator either. His set up doesn't convince me one but especially looking at the players he uses for the roles. He plays a diamond without true playmakers for instance. He has Alli and Son and religiously tries to fit them in the same side although that's really difficult if not impossible if you're aiming for top honors. He has no qualms playing with absolute mediocrity in midfield. All of that us rather concerning and I'm not convinced he can change his ways. Where would his ambition be here if he does join?
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The bit about mediocrity in midfield was funny, considering 1) his budget and 2) that his midfield regularly outdueled the mediocrity we’ve put out the last few years. Up until Dembele lost his legs anyway.
 
ForestRGoinUp said:
The bit about mediocrity in midfield was funny, considering 1) his budget and 2) that his midfield regularly outdueled the mediocrity we’ve put out the last few years. Up until Dembele lost his legs anyway.
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1 He authorized the signings of Wanyama and Sissocko for good money. He regularly has stuck Dier in there even refusing to sell him to us when we wanted him for stupid money. He's stuck Alli in there at times although he obviously doesn't fit the role. Outside of Dembele, who he found there it's been a mess. Not only did they allow him to leave but didn't even have a succession plan.

2 Seriously mate being better at anything than us in recent times isn't say anything(outside of keeping of course)
 
bond19821982 said:
While I agree with these points, I don't think we should make a call on his appointment yet. But him failing at pretty much all critical matches is very concerning. Yes agree, we had lot of injuries and so probably not a best way to judge him. that's the reason why we should wait until end of the season.

Put this way - if we dont make top 4, i will rethink about supporting him for a full time job.

If we make it, then give him the contract.
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Reading the last few pages of this thread there is some incredible reactionary nonsense but this post takes the cake. Absolutely incredible.

Just over a week after they pulled off one of the most incredible comeback wins in Champions League history.

He has beaten Spurs, Arsenal, Chelsea and PSG away from home with a squad he inherited that his predecessor thought was crap. His record is extraordinary.
 
Should be permanent manager. He can make players feel confident and important, give them sufficient amount of freedom and maintain general optimitic and upbeat mood within the club.

He will improve tactically, especially playing against top opposition, and tactics are ovverated anyway.

The club must spend their time and efforts on finding DOF and/or building long-term, proper functioning club structure, where managarial changhes would't mean selling/buying half of the team in two transfer windows.
 
POF said:
Reading the last few pages of this thread there is some incredible reactionary nonsense but this post takes the cake. Absolutely incredible.

Just over a week after they pulled off one of the most incredible comeback wins in Champions League history.

He has beaten Spurs, Arsenal, Chelsea and PSG away from home with a squad he inherited that his predecessor thought was crap. His record is extraordinary.
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I had to read it several times to ensure that I was understanding correctly.

‘Failing at every critical game’ what the absolute feck. We have lost three games out of which in one we still went through in the second leg, one was a freak result largely dictated by referee’s bad call and we played well and one was a fully deserved loss.
 
Sarni said:
I had to read it several times to ensure that I was understanding correctly.

‘Failing at every critical game’ what the absolute feck. We have lost three games out of which in one we still went through in the second leg, one was a freak result largely dictated by referee’s bad call and we played well and one was a fully deserved loss.
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The games in question were against one of the favourites for the Champions League (where United won the tie overall), the team in 4th away from home when United were by far the better team and the best team outside the top 6 away from home.

How many managers do you hear "you can't judge him until he gets his own players in"? Ole has taken someone else's squad (minus one) and the team is in title contending form. 2 losses and he's suddenly "tactically naive" and "failing at every critical game". Unbelievable.
 
I don't know if Ole is the saviour long term, but at this point the bigger gamble would be to not hire him. We've had 6 seasons of underachievement and turmoil and I'm sure everyone is sick of it.

The big difference with Ole is that I trust his philosophy and vision. Even if he fails, I think he will leave us in a good position, unlike the previous managers. His 'base level' is higher because he is a good man manager and understands the clubs history and ambition. The only question marks are his transfer choices and his tactical nous. The signings will be easier because at United you mainly buy players who obviously have talent as opposed to Cardiff where he had to take a punt. If we get the right scouts / DoF this should become even more straightforward. So that leaves tactics. No club has ever been ruined simply through tactical failings. The worse that can happen is we don't win enough trophies so he's sacked, then we bring in someone else. He's not going to play dull defensive football to enrage the fans and he's not going to burn the club down because he doesn't get a signing or one of his players wins a world cup. And he's not going to leave for a better paid job.

Ole will either be good or great. That's enough for me.
 
deadrevelz said:
I don't know if Ole is the saviour long term, but at this point the bigger gamble would be to not hire him. We've had 6 seasons of underachievement and turmoil and I'm sure everyone is sick of it.

The big difference with Ole is that I trust his philosophy and vision. Even if he fails, I think he will leave us in a good position, unlike the previous managers. His 'base level' is higher because he is a good man manager and understands the clubs history and ambition. The only question marks are his transfer choices and his tactical nous. The signings will be easier because at United you mainly buy players who obviously have talent as opposed to Cardiff where he had to take a punt. If we get the right scouts / DoF this should become even more straightforward. So that leaves tactics. No club has ever been ruined simply through tactical failings. The worse that can happen is we don't win enough trophies so he's sacked, then we bring in someone else. He's not going to play dull defensive football to enrage the fans and he's not going to burn the club down because he doesn't get a signing or one of his players wins a world cup. And he's not going to leave for a better paid job.

Ole will either be good or great. That's enough for me.
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I've voiced my opinion on this matter before but I do think the club have no option but to hire him at this point. I don't necessarily agree as I don't think he can mix it with the very best longer term.

This is just my opinion from what I've seen from Ole's career so far. I know this goes against what the vast majority thinks so hopefully he's a banging success and you can all make fun of me.
 
Catt said:
I've voiced my opinion on this matter before but I do think the club have no option but to hire him at this point. I don't necessarily agree as I don't think he can mix it with the very best longer term.

This is just my opinion from what I've seen from Ole's career so far. I know this goes against what the vast majority thinks so hopefully he's a banging success and you can all make fun of me.
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No problem with your opinion, but why do you think it won't work longer term? Is it the tactics, choosing the right players, not being able to attract big players? And do you disagree with what I said about there being no chance he will fail badly?
 
Wasn't Ole supposed to be announced during the international break -- is it a possibility that Woodward got cold feet after couple of poor results?
 
deadrevelz said:
No problem with your opinion, but why do you think it won't work longer term? Is it the tactics, choosing the right players, not being able to attract big players? And do you disagree with what I said about there being no chance he will fail badly?
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Tactics. I don't think he will get his United team playing at a level good enough to win major trophies. But if it works out then he will undoubtedly be able to attract the worlds best. And it's difficult to answer the last point because we don't know what happens if it starts to unravel...
 
MaxiPaxi said:
Wasn't Ole supposed to be announced during the international break -- is it a possibility that Woodward got cold feet after couple of poor results?
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My theory was that it would be during the int break because Molde's new season starts 31st March and they would need a manager. If they got a new one it would be like confirming Ole is coming to United anyway. You would think if Ole was likely to get the job, United would show some respect to Molde by informing them as early as possible.
 
Surely it has to be him, I am really waiting to see him with a transfer window and a pre season preparation then watch what he can do in full season with us. He deserves every chance.
 
MaxiPaxi said:
Wasn't Ole supposed to be announced during the international break -- is it a possibility that Woodward got cold feet after couple of poor results?
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Still got a week to go. I think it makes perfect sense to do it a day or two before the Watford game to give everyone another lift after the two poor results.
 
kps88 said:
Still got a week to go. I think it makes perfect sense to do it a day or two before the Watford game to give everyone another lift after the two poor results.
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Suppose that's true. For some reason I thought the international break was over already.
 
POF said:
Reading the last few pages of this thread there is some incredible reactionary nonsense but this post takes the cake. Absolutely incredible.

Just over a week after they pulled off one of the most incredible comeback wins in Champions League history.

He has beaten Spurs, Arsenal, Chelsea and PSG away from home with a squad he inherited that his predecessor thought was crap. His record is extraordinary.
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Conveniently ignored the rest of my post only to prove your part.

If you want to hear the harsh reality , then be it. PSG gifted us 2 goals and referee gifted the third goal. We couldn't even create meaningful chances except for that.
We were damn poor in the second half against Spurs as well. Be it because of DDG heroics or because Spurs couldn't convert their easy chances, thing is we deserved to lose with the way we played second half.
Yes, we were quite good against Arsenal and will give him full credit . Next was Chelsea who has been pretty poor since Nov.

So, no - its very early to talk about giving him permanent job .
 
deadrevelz said:
I don't know if Ole is the saviour long term, but at this point the bigger gamble would be to not hire him. We've had 6 seasons of underachievement and turmoil and I'm sure everyone is sick of it.

The big difference with Ole is that I trust his philosophy and vision. Even if he fails, I think he will leave us in a good position, unlike the previous managers. His 'base level' is higher because he is a good man manager and understands the clubs history and ambition. The only question marks are his transfer choices and his tactical nous. The signings will be easier because at United you mainly buy players who obviously have talent as opposed to Cardiff where he had to take a punt. If we get the right scouts / DoF this should become even more straightforward. So that leaves tactics. No club has ever been ruined simply through tactical failings. The worse that can happen is we don't win enough trophies so he's sacked, then we bring in someone else. He's not going to play dull defensive football to enrage the fans and he's not going to burn the club down because he doesn't get a signing or one of his players wins a world cup. And he's not going to leave for a better paid job.

Ole will either be good or great. That's enough for me.
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There is little promise of long-term anything anymore in football.

The best we can hope for in the coming years is managers that can achieve success in periods of 3-5 years before another comes in to refresh things. That's why the club needs to put a structure in place that acknowledges the long-term future beyond the man managing the players day to day.
 
Red Dreams said:
The second proper decision the Board will have made after making Ole the Temp manager.

Fantastic news if true.
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This one fell on their lap and is staring them in the face. I'm still questioning their competence given we have had no supposed progress on the DoF.
 
Three months ago, the main difference between him and Pochettino was that Solskjaer was a complete unknown at this level. We really didn't know much about his football and his abilities. There's still a gap, obviously, but it's smaller now. And when you consider what it might take to get Pochettino out of Spurs - moneywise as well - giving Solskjaer the job is a pretty easy choice*.

* Assuming what happens between now and the end of the season does not gives us a reason to think he isn't right for it.
 
Amir said:
Three months ago, the main difference between him and Pochettino was that Solskjaer was a complete unknown at this level. We really didn't know much about his football and his abilities. There's still a gap, obviously, but it's smaller now. And when you consider what it might take to get Pochettino out of Spurs - moneywise as well - giving Solskjaer the job is a pretty easy choice*.

* Assuming what happens between now and the end of the season does not gives us a reason to think he isn't right for it.
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Don’t think it’s that easy. Poch is a certainty to develop talent. It can’t be denied. How could we know if Solskjaer will develop talent at Poch’s level?
 
deadrevelz said:
I don't know if Ole is the saviour long term, but at this point the bigger gamble would be to not hire him. We've had 6 seasons of underachievement and turmoil and I'm sure everyone is sick of it.

The big difference with Ole is that I trust his philosophy and vision. Even if he fails, I think he will leave us in a good position, unlike the previous managers. His 'base level' is higher because he is a good man manager and understands the clubs history and ambition. The only question marks are his transfer choices and his tactical nous. The signings will be easier because at United you mainly buy players who obviously have talent as opposed to Cardiff where he had to take a punt. If we get the right scouts / DoF this should become even more straightforward. So that leaves tactics. No club has ever been ruined simply through tactical failings. The worse that can happen is we don't win enough trophies so he's sacked, then we bring in someone else. He's not going to play dull defensive football to enrage the fans and he's not going to burn the club down because he doesn't get a signing or one of his players wins a world cup. And he's not going to leave for a better paid job.

Ole will either be good or great. That's enough for me.
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Your answer is within your post. Ole has already saved us because he understands the club's ethos, history and ambition. Those that came before him and after SAF didn't understand that no one person is bigger than the club and tried to stamp their own signature on Manchester United. They all failed because of that. Ole has given us proof that the Manchester United Way is a bit of a thing and shouldn't be taken lightly or dismissed entirely.
 
ForestRGoinUp said:
Don’t think it’s that easy. Poch is a certainty to develop talent. It can’t be denied. How could we know if Solskjaer will develop talent at Poch’s level?
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We don't. Like I wrote, there's still a gap, but it's smaller than it was three months ago. If the two were free agents, it would have been an easy choice because Pochettino is more proven. But one is already working for United, doing a good job. The other would cost a bundle to bring in, and would need some times to learn the place. I think that tips the scale.
 
What a turn around!! Ola at the wheel. Past 2 season of boring football and slow buildups, Ola got me excited again, quick fast following football. The Utd way and I back him winning the League after couple transfers windows.. Ola... ola... ola!!!
 
bond19821982 said:
Conveniently ignored the rest of my post only to prove your part.

If you want to hear the harsh reality , then be it. PSG gifted us 2 goals and referee gifted the third goal. We couldn't even create meaningful chances except for that.
We were damn poor in the second half against Spurs as well. Be it because of DDG heroics or because Spurs couldn't convert their easy chances, thing is we deserved to lose with the way we played second half.
Yes, we were quite good against Arsenal and will give him full credit . Next was Chelsea who has been pretty poor since Nov.

So, no - its very early to talk about giving him permanent job .
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What did I ignore in your post that adds context to your idiotic claim of him "failing at pretty much all critical matches"?

Bayern Munich played United off the pitch in the 99 final and United only won because Bayern couldn't defend set pieces. If John Terry didn't slip on his arse Chelsea would have won the 2008 European cup.

United won more of those games than they lost under Fergie because they had a winning mentality and an inner belief that they would win when it came down to the major moments. 3 managers have failed to replicate that across 6 years. In 6 weeks, Ole has got it back, which is an amazing accomplishment.

United played in Paris with a midfield 4 of Young/Dalot, McTominay, Fred and Pereira. They needed to score 3 and win by 2 clear goals. Ole in the press conference before the game said exactly how they would do it - and they did just that. Yet you complain that they didn't create enough chances.

He broke the record for most consecutive away wins at the start of his reign in the entire 140 year history of Manchester United. More than Busby and Fergie.

You're right. An absolute failure.
 
bond19821982 said:
Conveniently ignored the rest of my post only to prove your part.

If you want to hear the harsh reality , then be it. PSG gifted us 2 goals and referee gifted the third goal. We couldn't even create meaningful chances except for that.
We were damn poor in the second half against Spurs as well. Be it because of DDG heroics or because Spurs couldn't convert their easy chances, thing is we deserved to lose with the way we played second half.
Yes, we were quite good against Arsenal and will give him full credit . Next was Chelsea who has been pretty poor since Nov.

So, no - its very early to talk about giving him permanent job .
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Ref didn't gift us third goal. UEFA and so many refs have clarified that decision.

Also PSG gifted us 2 goals just like Matic and Bailly gifted them 2-3 goals.

Spurs created feck all chances for 65 mins and were tactically outplayed for first half, second half they played better going all out attack. We didnt cope well though, but for first 65 mins we had more chances than Spurs

Re Chelsea, we beat them on Feb 18th, on Feb 27th they smashed Spurs in the league. Jan 24th they eliminated Spurs in league cup semi finals. Feb 24th drew vs City in League cup finals losing on penalties. December 8th they smashed City in the league.

So not so poor since November considering they won few big games. Even when Chelsea were shit, we barely won at Bridge, so no matter what how you spin it, win at Stamford bridge is always tough.
 
POF said:
What did I ignore in your post that adds context to your idiotic claim of him "failing at pretty much all critical matches"?

Bayern Munich played United off the pitch in the 99 final and United only won because Bayern couldn't defend set pieces. If John Terry didn't slip on his arse Chelsea would have won the 2008 European cup.

United won more of those games than they lost under Fergie because they had a winning mentality and an inner belief that they would win when it came down to the major moments. 3 managers have failed to replicate that across 6 years. In 6 weeks, Ole has got it back, which is an amazing accomplishment.

United played in Paris with a midfield 4 of Young/Dalot, McTominay, Fred and Pereira. They needed to score 3 and win by 2 clear goals. Ole in the press conference before the game said exactly how they would do it - and they did just that. Yet you complain that they didn't create enough chances.

He broke the record for most consecutive away wins at the start of his reign in the entire 140 year history of Manchester United. More than Busby and Fergie.

You're right. An absolute failure.
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Well well, a nothing post with the good old comparison with Fergie. Excuse me , I am not idiotic enough like you to compare Fergie era with 6 months of football under Ole. So lets stay away from it now.

And sorry, I am least bothered about the result or records of 13 away , at this point of time. I only care about our approach against the big boys and the league minnows under Ole and that would be my deciding factor on him. So forget the result and tell me how many chances did we create against PSG? Or I am more than happy to wait until Barca to get an answer or even City or Chelsea games at home .
 
roonster09 said:
Ref didn't gift us third goal. UEFA and so many refs have clarified that decision.

Also PSG gifted us 2 goals just like Matic and Bailly gifted them 2-3 goals.

Spurs created feck all chances for 65 mins and were tactically outplayed for first half, second half they played better going all out attack. We didnt cope well though, but for first 65 mins we had more chances than Spurs

Re Chelsea, we beat them on Feb 18th, on Feb 27th they smashed Spurs in the league. Jan 24th they eliminated Spurs in league cup semi finals. Feb 24th drew vs City in League cup finals losing on penalties. December 8th they smashed City in the league.

So not so poor since November considering they won few big games. Even when Chelsea were shit, we barely won at Bridge, so no matter what how you spin it, win at Stamford bridge is always tough.
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Come on now, our lack of awareness or incapability to defend is a gift now? We were shit and had no idea how to play when Pogba was marked in midfield .

What did Ole do to counter Poch's tactical change ?

And Its the same Chelsea who got beaten 4-0, 6-0 later. So it says more about Spurs who bottled it rather than Chelsea .
 
Whether it Ole or POch or someone else all I know is for us to even have a chance next season we are talking about needing 3 or 4 starters for the first team. Would hate Ole to get the job and be screwed from the start due to our owners. Wouldn't end pretty and he doesn't deserve that.
 
bond19821982 said:
Come on now, our lack of awareness or incapability to defend is a gift now? We were shit and had no idea how to play when Pogba was marked in midfield .

What did Ole do to counter Poch's tactical change ?

And Its the same Chelsea who got beaten 4-0, 6-0 later. So it says more about Spurs who bottled it rather than Chelsea .
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What? PSG incapable of defending is a gift but not our incapable of defending?

Ole didn't do anything to counter, his tactic set up worked well for 65 mins. We can't dominate every game, that's impossible.
 
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