Ole Gunnar Solksjaer is already a club hero - he has the chance to become a legend, writes Advait Lath...
The all-encompassing despondency surrounding Old Trafford in the gloom of December was all too obvious to see.
Having been outclassed by a rampant Liverpool side at Anfield just a few days ago, Manchester United were left licking their wounds.
Winter was going to be a dark one indeed. Club manager Jose Mourinho seemed rooted at the helm and the players seemed to lack the desire and ambition needed at a club like United.
There seemed to be a breakdown of the professional relationship between the manager and his players. England’s most successful team lay sixth, 11 points off the top-four, affirmation of the club’s worst start to a Premier League season in 28 years.
The subsequent decision by the top brass of the club came as a shock to many given the strong position Mourinho was in, contractually. The club had parted ways with the Portuguese boss and were looking to appoint an interim manager till the end of the season.
Many seasoned and rookie names were thrown about, as the world watched. After much speculation, Manchester United broke the following news on their website:
There was some skepticism regarding the appointment, given his previous stint in the English was a relegation with Cardiff City in 2013-2014, but many lauded his installation as club manager.
He had an impressive track record with Molde FK in the Norwegian top flight and a fresh, familiar face would be welcome in the dugout on the red side of Manchester.
Ole vowed to bring back the"Manchester United Way" and a feel-good factor to the club. There was little wrong that he could do.
Three-and-a half-months down the line, Solskjær has delivered all of that and more for the club. United have won 14 of the 19 games he has overseen, demonstrating a positive approach to his game.
His players have found a renewed sense of belief and confidence, playing more incisive football. One of the evident keys to his early success is the reinstallation and rejuvenation of Paul Pogba.
The World Cup winning midfielder seemed to have lost his mojo and was a part of a rumoured bust-up with Mourinho, but under Solskjær, he seems a man reborn.
Pogba plays a role with much more freedom, driving the ball forward and linking up with the attack. He provides the spark and creativity that Manchester United lacked in the Mourinho days.
Other players have stepped up too, none more so than club prodigy, Marcus Rashford. The Academy product has seen a remarkable turn around in his fortunes and has been a constant threat in front of goal for the Red Devils.
Centre-back Victor Lindelöf has been impressive under the Norwegian and continues to improve under his tutelage.
A key aspect of Ole’s philosophy has been to promote as many players from the fabled Academy of the club, with the likes of Angel Gomes, Tahith Chong, Josh Garner already making first-team debuts in various competitions.
His belief is of a return of the football heritage of the club, the one he was at hand to see under Sir Alex Ferguson. Solskjær has been keen to include the legendary Scot in the footballing conversation at the club.
He allowed Sir Alex to travel with the players to Paris before their vital Champions League clash with PSG in the Round of 16 and reportedly let him give the team-talk before the game.
The luminous and fated night in Paris allows him to make a strong case for the permanent job. United faced the impossible at Parc de Princes, trailing by two goals to a hungry Paris side from the first-leg at Old Trafford.
To make matters worse, Pogba had been sent off and a plethora of first-team players were injured. Despite the odds and courtesy to a controversial injury-time penalty by Rashford, Manchester United went through on away goals, after drawing 3-3 on aggregate. It was a memorable and surreal night for the United faithful.
Club legends including Sir Alex have backed Solskjær for the job, and the Norwegian has been vocal about his "dream job".
He insists it is up to the club to decide and that he will "enjoy the ride as long as he can". Players have also shown their support and there is now renewed optimism at the club, one that’s been missing since Sir Alex’s days. More importantly, the chants and songs have returned to Old Trafford’s terraces.
Despite all the good vibes, Solskjær has been accused of tactical naivety at times, with glimpses of his days at Cardiff being exposed on many occasions.
This was evident in a recent league defeat at Arsenal and an unceremonious dumping out of the FA Cup by the Wolves.
Solskjær will be eager to plug the gaps and problems as the season draws to an end and the all-important decision regarding his future is made.
Manchester United’s board have a tough decision at hand and Solskjær has played all his cards right. He has provided the momentum, the impetus and identity to a once-faltering giant.
United are once again challenging for the top four this season despite it being unattainable at one point. A Champions League quarter-final draw against Barcelona awaits.
There is little that can be said against him. United have also been rumoured to move quick and start negotiations with the dynamic former striker’s representatives. Meanwhile, as Solskjær puts it, he will continue to "give the best possible job interview" that he can.
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