It’s a funny world where standards mean different things to different people, and they are held to those standards depending on who they are.
At Old Trafford, winning titles is a given. The fans have been fed on winning, but these days, the sweet savour of winning titles has become a thing of folklore. The standards have fallen so low that it has become embarrassing. Despite the pathetic situation the team finds itself in, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has perhaps the most secure job in the world. Only recently did the Norwegian make a mockery of his sack rumours.
Ole has backing from the board
On Saturday, in a Premier League clash, Manchester United were handed a ruthless hiding by Leicester City. It was a stark reminder of how poor the team has fallen. The 4-2 defeat showed several inadequacies in the side. If the buck stops at the boss’ table, then Ole Gunnar Solskjaer should take responsibility for the teams’ failures.
The knives are out, and fans are baying for blood. Despite the handwriting on the wall, the United board has decided to back a lame horse. The bosses at Old Trafford have thrown their weight behind Ole as the man to take them to the promised land.
As per the Daily Star, Solskjaer has received assurances from top figures at the club that they have complete faith in him. It runs contrary to the feeling amongst the fans who have lost faith in the Norwegian gaffer. Calls for Ole to be sacked have fallen on deaf ears. Claims that he is out of his depth has failed to move the decision-makers at the club.
Ole has been at the helm for about three years and has failed to lift a single trophy. Despite this, the heat is not enough to get him sacked.
Grumblings and dissatisfied players
A few players are not happy with the way things have played out recently. Every indication suggests that at any other club, Ole would be out of work.
Ole may be losing the dressing room, as the vibes coming out of the club suggests. The Norwegian recently laid into Rashford’s social activities, which has made his camp unhappy. Donny Van de Beek is also despondent at his lack of game time.
Nobody has been as vocal as Paul Pogba, whose statements indict the competency of the manager. Pogba claims the rot has gone on for so long. He said they couldn’t figure out the problem. He stressed that something needs to change - a subtle statement that may hint at Ole getting the boot.
Pogba is still to put pen to paper on a contract extension.
Going into a run of matches that could make or mar United’s season, reports suggest that Solskjaer will remain in his post even if they record negative results.
By :
Steven D. Thompson
