Ole Gunnar Solskjaer may well remain ManUnited coach despite the dismal derby performance. Do some players think this is a wrong decision?
That the biggest applause in 90 minutes was for a substitute who has hardly shown anything so far? That the team shot more often at their own goal than at the opponent’s? That “haphazard” would still be a flattering term? That a Champions League place is now as far away as 14th place?
At ManUnited, after the 0:2 against ManCity, there are good reasons to be worried and once again to question the job of coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Once again, however, those in charge apparently don’t want to know anything about it and want to hold on to the much-criticised Norwegian.
While English media report that leader Bruno Fernandes, of all people, feels that Solskjaer is not giving him enough clear messages, the coach is to be given two weeks to prepare his team for the away game at Watford FC.
The idea of football couldn’t be more different.
If things continue to go the way they often have lately in London, ManUnited will probably win and Solskjaer will temporarily be more firmly back in the saddle. Until the cycle starts all over again. “The idea of football couldn’t be more different “, wrote the Guardian or the BBC on Saturday when ManCity were leading 1-0.
Ex-ManUnited professional Bastian Schweinstiger, of all people, tweeted what everyone saw: “A passive ManUnited against an active ManCity. I’d like United to be more active and not constantly chasing the ball and losing their energy. Take the ball away from Pep’s team,” he wrote with a wink emoji. “Come on ManUnited, you’re playing at Old Trafford!”
Has ManUnited missed another chance with Conte?
They were telling words for a strange situation. It feels a bit like, as was the case with Mauricio Pochettino months ago, those in charge missed the chance to sign Antonio Conte, a coach with a clear plan. Instead, Solskjaer still seems at a loss as to how he should insert Jadon Sancho; whether Donny van de Beek can do more than be a bench warmer; whether a three-man chain is good or not.
It already seems clear that Cristiano Ronaldo, however often he scores in important moments, will no longer bring a championship title. But others before Solskjaer have also broken under this burden.
