Would you sack or keep Ole? (Poll reopened)

[troylocker]

Once again lads. Let’s not get carried away like it’s PSG all over again. I still believe this guy doesn’t have a clue what he’s doing. He for one needs to get Mike Phelan in check.. you would think he was the manager.

Hahaha! This guy.....
LASK in Europe this season: 5-2-1 with a 12-5 goaldiff. They had Sporting and PSV in their group and comfortably beat AZ in the round of 32. They just won the Austrian Bundesliga ahead of RB Salzburg AS well. Even though we should always beat them over 2 legs, this is not Astana or Rochdale.

Give credit when it’s due! If you can’t say anything positive after a 5-0 win in Europe, please find another team to whine about?!

 

[Bobcat]

Once again lads. Let’s not get carried away like it’s PSG all over again. I still believe this guy doesn’t have a clue what he’s doing. He for one needs to get Mike Phelan in check.. you would think he was the manager.

Whos getting carried away? Its a shite Austrian side

And why does he need to check Phelan ? Hes a coach, hes doing his bloody job

 

[edcunited1878]

Once again lads. Let’s not get carried away like it’s PSG all over again. I still believe this guy doesn’t have a clue what he’s doing. He for one needs to get Mike Phelan in check.. you would think he was the manager.

Once again lad, you have to look at this objectively. The squad has improved since the beginning of the season, compounded with injuries to Pogba and Rashford. The club made shrewed/good signings in Bruno and Ighalo.

There's an uptick in form from Shaw, Maguire, Lindelof, AWB, Fred, Matic, Martial...pretty much the settled first XI players give or take. This is the level they need to sustain and perform at week in, week out. And they've done that for a good spell which suggests this is possible because they've gone through a huge learning curve earlier this season. Now they have to keep this form and make it their bare minimum, that's the challenge. Do they have it within them on an individual and then team basis for a prolonged time?

Ole and coaches switched to a back 3 with Shaw as the left center back...kind of had a clue of what they were doing, no? Kind of had a clue rotating Mason and now Ighalo, no?

 

[RedSky]

I have one slight concern, this form could be history repeating itself from last season when Ole went on a great winning streak but then went to the other extreme of displaying relegation form, so I am still wait and see.

I dunno, the early win streak for Ole was a good motivational bump raising our players confidence and morale after Jose, this also coincided with Pogba playing brilliant football. We eventually ran out of gas near the end of the season and our fitness went to shit.

This season has been more a case of bedding in a host of squad and first team changes which has taken time to gel. Mixed with some unfortunate injuries to our key players. Our defense however has settled nicely in 2020, since the turn of the year we've had 12 clean sheets in 18 games. Scoring 35 and conceding 11. Surely this streak is more a case of Oles rebuild actually working, his strategy of building from the back finally paying off as we start to look formidable at the back again? All of this without Pogba and Rashford.

I actually think it looks far more like a corner has been turned personally. I am slightly biased though as i've stuck with Ole throughout.

 

[Dve]

I have one slight concern, this form could be history repeating itself from last season when Ole went on a great winning streak but then went to the other extreme of displaying relegation form, so I am still wait and see.

Like Liverpool, you mean?

But seriously, how much impact can a manager have on a team in such short time that Ole had before we went on that winning streak. I mean, good mood can only take you that far, and the injuries certainly didn´t help (9 or 10 first team players out at the same time, was it?) So, there are hopes the fundament is more solid now, with a new defence and a new formation as well.

 

[Mr. Christian]

Perhaps

This reads as if you're struggling to distinguish between the manager and player. His playing career has no impact on his performance now and vice versa. He'll always be a playing legend and I'll always love and respect the man, however that doesn't make him immune from criticism. You don't see such nepotism at other clubs that have ex players in charge.

Perhaps read the full post.

 

[lysglimt]

I have one slight concern, this form could be history repeating itself from last season when Ole went on a great winning streak but then went to the other extreme of displaying relegation form, so I am still wait and see.

I am not saying this form will last the rest of the season (or that the rest of the season will last - from the looks of it) - but this is a completely different team from what we saw last year.
a) he has brought in more leaders on the pitch - like Maguire
b) we actually have decent back-up players
c) the fitness appears to be much better
d) these players seem genuinely happy to be playing for United, rather than genuinely happy not to be playing for Mourinho.
e) Everything seem much more settled both on and off the pitch

 

[Chairman Steve]

I’m pretty much wait until the end of the season and review position. I would prefer to see us play more league teams before being more confident in OGS. Our recent run of form have included Tranmere, Derby, Club Brugge twice and LASK.

And funnily enough, our remaining league fixtures barring Spurs away, are the perfect sample to assess whether we are truly making progress.

Of course that’s if we even get to those fixture.

 

[Volumiza]

Now its too late for any sack imo, so ideally we wait for the end of the season and see who is available, We should NOT pass the opportunity if Rose or Nagelsmann are available.

So if our current form continues you would still sack Ole?

 

[Volumiza]

I am not saying this form will last the rest of the season (or that the rest of the season will last - from the looks of it) - but this is a completely different team from what we saw last year.
a) he has brought in more leaders on the pitch - like Maguire
b) we actually have decent back-up players
c) the fitness appears to be much better
d) these players seem genuinely happy to be playing for United, rather than genuinely happy not to be playing for Mourinho.
e) Everything seem much more settled both on and off the pitch

Exactly.

If Oles future is decided (as it should be) by his ability to learn and develope, while creating a good team playing decent football and getting good results then should our current form, or close to it, continue he should absolutely keep his job.

I often thought he was out of his depth but there can be no denying that we now have the best team we’ve had in years.

You point d) is a very important one for me. It was awful to see teams not being fit for the Utd identity. Look at us now. We may not be title winners yet but we are definitely a Utd side. Credit to Ole.

 

[devilish]

I’m pretty much wait until the end of the season and review position. I would prefer to see us play more league teams before being more confident in OGS. Our recent run of form have included Tranmere, Derby, Club Brugge twice and LASK.

And funnily enough, our remaining league fixtures barring Spurs away, are the perfect sample to assess whether we are truly making progress.

Of course that’s if we even get to those fixture.

this.

 

[Samid]

I’m pretty much wait until the end of the season and review position. I would prefer to see us play more league teams before being more confident in OGS. Our recent run of form have included Tranmere, Derby, Club Brugge twice and LASK.

And funnily enough, our remaining league fixtures barring Spurs away, are the perfect sample to assess whether we are truly making progress.

Of course that’s if we even get to those fixture.

Yeah. The last 11 games don't count. The next 11 will be his first real tests.

 

[devilish]

So if our current form continues you would still sack Ole?

Our current form is staggering but lets not forget the mistakes made at the beginning of the season. That also include spending 130m on defence while ignoring midfield completely (apart from trying to sign Longstaff). Id say we should keep the same standards as we always done. If Ole makes it to top 4 then he keeps his job. If not then he doesn't. I also think that if we do move to someone else then Ole or Phelan would be offered a role at board level. Not DOF as its a very specialised role but a board member role. God knows how much we need someone who knows about football at that level and can return to management the moment things go wrong.

 

[Volumiza]

Our current form is staggering but lets not forget the mistakes made at the beginning of the season. That also include spending 130m on defence while ignoring midfield completely (apart from trying to sign Longstaff). Id say we should keep the same standards as we always done. If Ole makes it to top 4 then he keeps his job. If not then he doesn't. I also think that if we do move to someone else then Ole or Phelan would be offered a role at board level. Not DOF as its a very specialised role but a board member role. God knows how much we need someone who knows about football at that level and can return to management the moment things go wrong.

That completely sidesteps my question. If Our current form had been presentfrom the start of this season we’d be in 3rd or even 2nd.

So, If Ole keeps this level of performance going for the rest of the season, with both players and fans happy, he should be sacked if he finishes 5th?

Us getting 4th depends on Chelsea and Leicester dropping points. We could win every game in amazing style but if those two clubs do the same we’re getting 5th. So, again, if that happened, you’d still sack Ole?

I was Ole out by the way but my eyes don’t lie. He’s built a good team and they are playing good football and getting results. If it carries in then I’m more than willing to change my mind.

 

[devilish]

That completely sidesteps my question. If Our current form had been presentfrom the start of this season we’d be in 3rd or even 2nd.

So, If Ole keeps this level of performance going for the rest of the season, with both players and fans happy, he should be sacked if he finishes 5th?

Us getting 4th depends on Chelsea and Leicester dropping points. We could win every game in amazing style but if those two clubs do the same we’re getting 5th. So, again, if that happened, you’d still sack Ole?

I was Ole out by the way but my eyes don’t lie. He’s built a good team and they are playing good football and getting results. If it carries in then I’m more than willing to change my mind.

Well the same Ole who is brilliant at the moment is the same Ole who was dog shit at the beginning of the season. That is why a manager is judged at the end of the season. Form is temporary and class is permanent sort of thing

 

[dirkey]

I’m pretty much wait until the end of the season and review position. I would prefer to see us play more league teams before being more confident in OGS. Our recent run of form have included Tranmere, Derby, Club Brugge twice and LASK.

And funnily enough, our remaining league fixtures barring Spurs away, are the perfect sample to assess whether we are truly making progress.

Of course that’s if we even get to those fixture.

The last 15 games, we're top 3, 1 point behind City with them having played a game less. https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/pre...e/wettbewerb/GB1?saison_id=2019&min=15&max=30

Is that a big enough sample size for you, for form??

 

[fallengt]

Still sticking to 2.
UCL football and he can stay

 

[Volumiza]

Well the same Ole who is brilliant at the moment is the same Ole who was dog shit at the beginning of the season.

That's true matey. But I was dog shit at tying shoe laces when I was 4, now I'm a shoe lace ninja. The same for anything and anyone. Ole may have been out of his depth and 'dog shit' but who's to say he's not learning and developing and improving? What if his improvement carries on? Still sack him?

That is why a manager is judged at the end of the season. Form is temporary and class is permanent sort of thing

This is true, but what if Ole's form continues to the end of the season and shows no sign of going away? Still sack him?

Anyone can be an idiot and make judgements on anyone and anything. Sometimes they're right, sometimes they're wrong. I'm one of these idiots. But an idiot who refuses to change his mind then becomes a fool. Ole has definitely learned some hard lessons and to me, it looks like he may have learned from them too. He may not. Time will tell. For me, Ole has spent more wisely than even SAF did in his later years. So good have been Ole's signings been and such a massive difference they've made to the team and how we play that I really want him to spend more money in the summer.

I was initially Ole 'in'. Then I was Ole 'out'. Currently I'm 'give Ole more time'. See? I'm an idiot who can change my mind.

 

[Oldyella]

Change your votes lads.
You don't wanna be THAT guy.

Never realised you could change your vote tbh. I will own it though, I said I wanted him sacked but my heart hoped he would turn it around. Happy it looks like I am being proved wrong.

 

[Regulus Arcturus Black]

The last 15 games, we're top 3, 1 point behind City with them having played a game less. https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/pre...e/wettbewerb/GB1?saison_id=2019&min=15&max=30

Is that a big enough sample size for you, for form??

Top 3 is still a slightly skewed statistic though dirks as Chelsea and Leicester in particular have been pants in that period. We have a win-rate of 53.3% in that period, and in a season like this, I'd say that's absolutely acceptable and the fact that it's increasing week on week, especially since the January window closed, shows real progress.

 

[fergosaurus]

The likely imminent suspension of the league has come at a really bad time for Ole. We're in great form and I'd fancy us to leap above Chelsea who still have to play City, Liverpool, Wolves and Sheffield Utd.

 

[dirkey]

Top 3 is still a slightly skewed statistic though dirks as Chelsea and Leicester in particular have been pants in that period. We have a win-rate of 53.3% in that period, and in a season like this, I'd say that's absolutely acceptable and the fact that it's increasing week on week, especially since the January window closed, shows real progress.

Yeah, that's fair that it's a bit skewed. But it's a strange year ... perhaps the fact there's so much money in the league now means we're going to see lower points totals for top 4 going forward? Or, perhaps this season is a true outlier, only time will tell.

I was mostly just pointing this out to the poster who claimed that there haven't been enough PL wins in this current run. When you actually look back at our PL form over the past 15 games, which is 50% of the season so far, we're top 3. So I don't think that poster's gripe stood up. No-one thought this was a title winning side pre-season.

And you're dead right about the real progress. I think we're really starting to see things come together. It could very well be another false dawn. But ... something about this just feels different, doesn't it? I think because we're starting to see some downright good attacking play, nice moves, allied with defensive solidity. We're certainly not a one trick pony, as some of Ole's detractors on here would have you believe.

 

[Sultan]

The only reason the club would consider sacking Ole this season is for him to have an affair with Woody's Mrs - Might as well change the vote for the two alternative options available.

 

[Regulus Arcturus Black]

And you're dead right about the real progress. I think we're really starting to see things come together. It could very well be another false dawn. But ... something about this just feels different, doesn't it? I think because we're starting to see some downright good attacking play, nice moves, allied with defensive solidity. We're certainly not a one trick pony, as some of Ole's detractors on here would have you believe.

Absolutely. That January window in particular was one of the best I've seen, it was just 2 in 2 out, but it completely transformed the make-up of our squad.

Swapping Young and Rojo's squad places for Ighalo and Fernandes was just

 

[devilish]

That's true matey. But I was dog shit at tying shoe laces when I was 4, now I'm a shoe lace ninja. The same for anything and anyone. Ole may have been out of his depth and 'dog shit' but who's to say he's not learning and developing and improving? What if his improvement carries on? Still sack him?



This is true, but what if Ole's form continues to the end of the season and shows no sign of going away? Still sack him?

Anyone can be an idiot and make judgements on anyone and anything. Sometimes they're right, sometimes they're wrong. I'm one of these idiots. But an idiot who refuses to change his mind then becomes a fool. Ole has definitely learned some hard lessons and to me, it looks like he may have learned from them too. He may not. Time will tell. For me, Ole has spent more wisely than even SAF did in his later years. So good have been Ole's signings been and such a massive difference they've made to the team and how we play that I really want him to spend more money in the summer.

I was initially Ole 'in'. Then I was Ole 'out'. Currently I'm 'give Ole more time'. See? I'm an idiot who can change my mind.

People don't become brilliant/idiots in few months. Hence why aims are set and they need to be adhered too. As fans we are entitled to be fickle and to take kneejerk decisions. You expect our board to be better then that.

 

[dirkey]

Absolutely. That January window in particular was one of the best I've seen, it was just 2 in 2 out, but it completely transformed the make-up of our squad.

I've been mostly Ole in ... but I did waver in January after defending him a lot, and switched briefly. But I'm firmly back on board. And I'd unashamedly love it if it worked out, not just because I'm a United fan and it'd be great for United, but it's Ole. I'd be utterly delighted for Ole.

 

[dirkey]

People don't become brilliant/idiots in few months. Hence why aims are set and they need to be adhered too. As fans we are entitled to be fickle and to take kneejerk decisions. You expect our board to be better then that.

I think it's nearly the opposite of fickle, at times on here. People take a viewpoint and then stand in front of that viewpoint with a massive ax, swiping at any bit of logic that comes their way. There are plenty on here who just will not acknowledge any positives, they've seen "the light" and that Ole is a no hoper, and will refuse to see the good that's happening.

I mean, it's not all good - he continually frustrates me in dead rubber's like last night by not resting players about 15 minutes earlier than he does etc, but there's plenty to be happy about.

I even saw some ........ person (took me a while to write the noun there instead of an adjective) trying to claim the signings weren't Ole's, but the club's. Heaven forbid we give him credit where it's due. Of course, the sales were all Ole's.

 

[Volumiza]

People don't become brilliant/idiots in few months. Hence why aims are set and they need to be adhered too. As fans we are entitled to be fickle and to take kneejerk decisions. You expect our board to be better then that.

Again, I agree with your sentiments but just say Ole's current form continues to the end of the season. We're playing great football, players and fans are happy ... EVERYONE is HAPPY and the football is GOOD and results are GOOD. Still sack just because Ole struggled for a few months? You expect our board to be better by ignoring the 'current' and acting on the past?

There has to be some nuance dude.

 

[quethenoo]

It honestly staggers me that some people can't or won't see the progress that has been made since Ole took over. Whether or not we will see real success under Ole remains to be seen in an ultra competitive league and CL, but for me we are clearly going the right direction to facilitate that, and he absolutely deserves more time. Win lose or draw I feel like we are a team all pulling happily and willingly in the same direction, and growing as a group. That include Ole himself and his staff, who will obviously be gaining vital experience as well as the players. It may be that in a year or two's time we have to get someone else in to take us to the next level if this management/player group reaches it's ceiling, but in the meantime, I enjoy watching and supporting United again, and isn't that what it's ultimately all about?

 

[Regulus Arcturus Black]

I even saw some ........ person (took me a while to write the noun there instead of an adjective) trying to claim the signings weren't Ole's, but the club's. Heaven forbid we give him credit where it's due. Of course, the sales were all Ole's.

Club's, Ole's, so what?... we do have a transfer committee and they can veto an Ole transfer or vice versa.

Where people got mixed up there was thinking that means "the club did it all". No, Ole had to say yes to every in and out, just as the transfer committee did. That means Ole either put Maguire, AWB or Dan James forward himself as targets, or that he listened to the committee and agreed on these targets. It also means that committee agreed with Ole to sell Lukaku, and loan Smalling, Sanchez.

It's a team, but it upset some people because it's "taking away credit from Ole" in their eyes, which wasn't what was said at all. Personally I think it's great that the club put this in place, it should ensure that we don't make the Moyes, LVG, Mourinho mistakes in the transfer market again, mistakes that make it very difficult to have any continuity.

 

[imamuppet]

It honestly staggers me that some people can't or won't see the progress that has been made since Ole took over. Whether or not we will see real success under Ole remains to be seen in an ultra competitive league and CL, but for me we are clearly going the right direction to facilitate that, and he absolutely deserves more time. Win lose or draw I feel like we are a team all pulling happily and willingly in the same direction, and growing as a group. That include Ole himself and his staff, who will obviously be gaining vital experience as well as the players. It may be that in a year or two's time we have to get someone else in to take us to the next level if this management/player group reaches it's ceiling, but in the meantime, I enjoy watching and supporting United again, and isn't that what it's ultimately all about?

Its called "intelligence" some people just dont have it

 

[Zen86]

Club's, Ole's, so what?... we do have a transfer committee and they can veto an Ole transfer or vice versa.

Where people got mixed up there was thinking that means "the club did it all". No, Ole had to say yes to every in and out, just as the transfer committee did. That means Ole either put Maguire, AWB or Dan James forward himself as targets, or that he listened to the committee and agreed on these targets. It also means that committee agreed with Ole to sell Lukaku, and loan Smalling, Sanchez.

It's a team, but it upset some people because it's "taking away credit from Ole" in their eyes, which wasn't what was said at all. Personally I think it's great that the club put this in place, it should ensure that we don't make the Moyes, LVG, Mourinho mistakes in the transfer market again, mistakes that make it very difficult to have any continuity.

Well, no, people clearly have been taking credit away from Ole by claiming the transfers were the clubs, not his. There’s no mix up here, plenty of idiots have said exactly that.

I don’t see anyone making the same claims with Klopp, Pep, and whatever other hipster managers are currently all the rage, despite the fact they have DoFs.

 

[Bilbo]

Well, no, people clearly have been taking credit away from Ole by claiming the transfers were the clubs, not his. There’s no mix up here, plenty of idiots have said exactly that.

I don’t see anyone making the same claims with Klopp, Pep, and whatever other hipster managers are currently all the rage, despite the fact they have DoFs.

Agree. There wasn't any talk of any transfer committee when results were bad.

 

[devilish]

I think it's nearly the opposite of fickle, at times on here. People take a viewpoint and then stand in front of that viewpoint with a massive ax, swiping at any bit of logic that comes their way. There are plenty on here who just will not acknowledge any positives, they've seen "the light" and that Ole is a no hoper, and will refuse to see the good that's happening.

I mean, it's not all good - he continually frustrates me in dead rubber's like last night by not resting players about 15 minutes earlier than he does etc, but there's plenty to be happy about.

I even saw some ........ person (took me a while to write the noun there instead of an adjective) trying to claim the signings weren't Ole's, but the club's. Heaven forbid we give him credit where it's due. Of course, the sales were all Ole's.

Again, I agree with your sentiments but just say Ole's current form continues to the end of the season. We're playing great football, players and fans are happy ... EVERYONE is HAPPY and the football is GOOD and results are GOOD. Still sack just because Ole struggled for a few months? You expect our board to be better by ignoring the 'current' and acting on the past?

There has to be some nuance dude.

Ole's run has been an emotional rollercoaster. He took over Mou and did so well to be offered the permanent job. Then we had one of the most naive summer transfer strategy in many years (130m spent on defence while we ignored midfield completely) which was followed with the worst start since 1989. Rumours spread that he wouldn't last after January. Now results had improved and he's the messiah again. Which worries me really, cause clubs shouldn't be run on emotions/knee jerk decisions. Fans can afford to be like that and you can sympathise at those who are struggling to adapt to it. CEOs and board members can't

The same can be said about transfers which is usually used as Ole's strongpoint. Without taking any credit from Ole but do we really need the 'right manager' to buy players who are 20-26 year olds, who are hungry for success, who are talented and who aren't coming to United for their last paycheck? That does sound basic to me and is what Sir Alex did since the beginning of time (with few exceptions). So why we allowed guys to bring a big Belgian lump or the likes of Valdes, Bastian, Matic and co? The answer is simple. We've got a board who finds it hard to challenge the manager cause they have zilc knowledge about football. So the manager becomes some sort of dictator up until he doesn't. At that point we simply close our purses to him and he ends up on the streets.

Such incompetence at board level might also explain why we went for LVG and Moyes ie two managers no big club wanted to touch with a barge pole. LVG was rotting in an old man's job prior for us signing him. His career at club's level was shot having been sacked out of Bayern and Barcelona twice. Moyes was never wanted by top clubs in the first place. Evertonians were thrilled of seeing him go as they knew that he couldn't take them to the next level. TBF Mou was wanted by Inter (Moratti is as incompetent as our own Woody is) but that changed once Marotta took over.. FFS after getting the sack from us, Inter could have gone to Mou but they preferred Juventus legend Conte to him. Can you imagine if we had a vacancy for manager, Sir Alex was available and we went for Kenny Dalglish instead? That's what Inter did. So that's 3 or 4 (if you add Ole).

Returning to our manager, no one knows if Ole is the right manager for us. This staggering form might be temporary or maybe the previous dip in form might have been a stroke of bad luck. There's also a chance that Ole isn't a shit manager as some thought but he might not be good enough to take us to were we want to either. Which means that at one point we might have to take a well informed and painful decision as United should be aiming for the very best. I struggle to see anyone at the club capable of taking such decision

 

[Alabaster Codify7]

Another fantastic result, a good performance and goals galore while resting some players. Ole is slowly winning me over, I will admit. But my stance remains the same - judge him at the end of the season. However that end may come. Which is going to be weird. Let's say the season was cancelled tomorrow and we finished where we are now, with the plan being for the new season to start as normal (unlikely) - I'd be happy for him to have another season.

 

[abailey123]

We have to keep Ole. He’s made 5 signings and every one has improved us.

AWB is the right back we’ve been craving for years, he’s developing going forward and in 2/3 years could be up there with the best in the world.

Maguire is the leader we needed at the back. At times he’s been shaky but over these last 2 months has been superb.

Dan James gave us the pace back. We’ve been missing a wide man since probably Nani left the club. For such a little outlay- the lads got tons of improvements and potential in him.

Bruno Fernandes - well what more can we say? He’s completely transformed us in the final 3rd and has that ability to drag other players along with him. Another leader and standards setter- all of those great Fergie teams had leaders all over the pitch.

Odion Ighalo- what an inspired signing and I’m of the view that he needs to be made permanent. He’s not going to be starting over Martial, he won’t impede the development of Greenwood but he gives us another option during games.

The improvement he’s got out of the likes of Shaw, McTominay, Fred, Rashford and even Martial has been excellent.

I think he knows that he needs to let Pereira and Lingard go. He obviously had question marks over them at the start of the season, wanted to see how they performed & at
the first opportunity corrected his mistake.

The players we’re linked with in the summer will only improve us. Bellingham is one for the future who could only develop under Ole, Sancho would sort our right side out finally! If we can retain Pogba and get him playing how we know he can this will only benefit us.

We’re not that far off now and I believe Ole is the man to lead us back to glory days. I’m excited to watch United again.

 

[crossy1686]

Another fantastic result, a good performance and goals galore while resting some players. Ole is slowly winning me over, I will admit. But my stance remains the same - judge him at the end of the season. However that end may come. Which is going to be weird. Let's say the season was cancelled tomorrow and we finished where we are now, with the plan being for the new season to start as normal (unlikely) - I'd be happy for him to have another season.

It's amazing what a bit of positivity has done to this place. I understand those who are sitting on the fence but are waiting to be won over by CL football of silverware, and I don't understand those who are sitting on the fence and waiting for him to fail so they can scream Rose or Nagalsman at the top of their voice.

It's been difficult for most of us in recent times, especially because quite a few of us have felt these performances and results have been in the post. For me the evidence has always been there, it's just that people have refused to see it. Solskjaer deserves another season regardless, and to be honest, I thought we'd be well off 4th for another season or so yet but Bruno has really galvanised the squad.

 

[redmanc]

I think it was naive of Ole to back Pereira and Lingard to star in the link up role this season, though the only unknown factor is whether or not we really were in for Bruno last summer and if we were why did we pull out? However i think he needs to shoulder the blame for our blip due to our current formation and style relying heavily on two massively under performing players, this has pretty much been his biggest mistake and one that had basically spiralled throughout the team leaving the whole squad looking inept and totally out of form, hence many peoples votes to sack him.

That said, you can't fault his January transfer business and i think for the first time we actually look like a football team again so i hold my hands up and say i knee jerked at sack him and i've changed my vote to stay, i think he deserves some time to see where he can take us now, if we add some extra quality to the team alongside Bruno then i think our targets for the season are going to be a lot higher.

 

[dirkey]

Club's, Ole's, so what?... we do have a transfer committee and they can veto an Ole transfer or vice versa.

Where people got mixed up there was thinking that means "the club did it all". No, Ole had to say yes to every in and out, just as the transfer committee did. That means Ole either put Maguire, AWB or Dan James forward himself as targets, or that he listened to the committee and agreed on these targets. It also means that committee agreed with Ole to sell Lukaku, and loan Smalling, Sanchez.

It's a team, but it upset some people because it's "taking away credit from Ole" in their eyes, which wasn't what was said at all. Personally I think it's great that the club put this in place, it should ensure that we don't make the Moyes, LVG, Mourinho mistakes in the transfer market again, mistakes that make it very difficult to have any continuity.

We'll have to disagree here, because it is absolutely what was said.

 

[Verminator]

I think it was naive of Ole to back Pereira and Lingard to star in the link up role this season, though the only unknown factor is whether or not we really were in for Bruno last summer and if we were why did we pull out? However i think he needs to shoulder the blame for our blip due to our current formation and style relying heavily on two massively under performing players, this has pretty much been his biggest mistake and one that had basically spiralled throughout the team leaving the whole squad looking inept and totally out of form, hence many peoples votes to sack him.

That said, you can't fault his January transfer business and i think for the first time we actually look like a football team again so i hold my hands up and say i knee jerked at sack him and i've changed my vote to stay, i think he deserves some time to see where he can take us now, if we add some extra quality to the team alongside Bruno then i think our targets for the season are going to be a lot higher.

I'm one of the more fervent 'inners', and voted such, the last 2 times, but originally was an 'outer' for the reasons you mentioned. Going into the season not replacing Lukaku, Fellaini, Herrera seemed like suicide. Losing Pogba and Martial to injury, in already depleted departments, is not to be underestimated, for the impact that had on our ability to function.
Maybe it was acknowledging this, and the quality of the signings, that convinced me, but I saw enough to convince myself, Ole is the man for the job.

Having to rely on Pereira and Lingard was a problem of our own making, but it definitely needs to be factored into people's considerations.

Would we be in a better position if we had Pogba and Martial playing the minutes Lingard and Pereira got?

If you answer anything other than "definitely", then you are lying to yourself. And if you are on board with that, the you have to admit that luck with injuries scuppered our season from the start.
We couldn't be expected to sign half a team in his first window.
Therefore Ole's only crime was his part in gambling on a thin squad in midfield and attack, while solidifying defence.

I hope he is allowed to continue to change the first 11 in the way he has, and hopefully our back up options will be players competing to get in it.