MillenniumPost
Editorial

Ole Ole Man Utd

There are many happy faces in Manchester United today as 46-year-old Ole Gunnar Solskjaer got his dream job of being the full-time manager of the club. But for those who know, there is absolutely no time for him to waste and he must get on to the job immediately. As he famously guided his team to the Champions League quarter-finals after an astonishing comeback against Paris Saint-Germain, Solskjaer also put United back into contention for a top-four finish in the Premier League. He is the man who, the club said, is a figure adored by the fans. He is someone who understood United's culture and who has steadied the ship while it took a very long time for the recruitment process to appoint a fresh, determined-looking long-term coach who could bring about a change in the ongoing affairs. Football is not for everyone. It is an exciting game, beyond reproach in passion and zest where emotions run high and could result in tempestuous exchanges amongst the spectators. But the players for whom there is worldwide support, love and recognition, need an appropriate channel to open up and utilise their overflowing talent, technique and skill. It is here that the manager controls the reins and sort of channelises the raw energy. Solskjaer got the much-needed flying start. Banished towards the end of Jose Mourinho's reign, Paul Pogba showed signs to thrive. Then there was De Gea who managed to make out-of-the-world 11 saves and made United's win possible against Tottenham. Impressive wins at Arsenal and Chelsea showed Solskjaer's victory at Tottenham was not a flash in the pan. There was precise defence and more punch in United's attack. A home win over Southampton was made possible with an injury-ravaged squad which proved vital for building United's momentum. It was immense self-belief and indomitable determination which made United go past PSG as they celebrated one of their best-ever European nights. He won 14 of his 19 games as the temporary boss and proved that he was the right man to succeed Mourinho. The team that Solskjaer inherited had slipped out of contention for the Premier League title and was 11 points adrift of fourth place, the last of England's four Champions League slots. The atmosphere at the club was very toxic under Mourinho and several high-profile players were contemplating to move to other clubs. In the present situation, there is a genuine belief that United have found a coach who is perfectly suited to the club and its traditions. Solskjaer has ticked all the boxes while pursuing the United way. If he can work his magic on the players, he would have one of the world's best at his disposal and as he insists, anything he achieves as a manager would eclipse what he did as a player.

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