Wed Nov 10, 2021 4:35 pm
There are plenty of ways to evaluate the current run of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Manchester United. One of them is by comparing it to his time with Cardiff City.
Many years before he took up the position of Manchester United boss, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer joined Cardiff City. The Bluebirds were in search of someone who could keep them in the Premier League and while the Norwegian was somewhat inexperienced, his tenure at Molde gave cause for optimism.
Ultimately, it didn’t work out, and the following stats show some worrying signs for the Old Trafford faithful.
In his final ten games with Cardiff, Solskjaer won four, drew two and lost four. By comparison, he’s won three, drawn two and lost five of his last ten fixtures with the Red Devils. It is one of the worst runs of his tenure as United manager.
The level of competition between the clubs was understandably different. Cardiff, by that stage, had dropped down to the Championship and were lingering around mid-table. In the present day, Manchester United are competing on two fronts in the Premier League and Champions League.
Solskjaer began his reign at Cardiff in January 2014. In September 2014, just eight months later, he was relieved of his duties after only seven games of the Championship season.
By contrast, the 48-year-old has been in charge of Manchester United since December 2018. He’s heading towards his three-year anniversary as the boss and whether you like it or hate it, he appears to have the full backing of the board.
The international break gives him time to reset with a trip to Vicarage Road to face Watford awaiting him on November 20.
Wed Nov 10, 2021 6:43 pm
Big Hill Blue wrote:Molde? Optimism?
To be fair, I'll hold my hand up and admit that I thought Ole was a great appointment when we brought him in.
I'm not the only one who thought this at the time, but most others won't admit it.
Fortunate enough to meet him several times when he was our manager and have to say as a person, he was very friendly and would speak to everyone with respect. But as a football manager, he has far too many limitations to succeed in any of the top European leagues - I include the Championship in that.
He certainly isn't anywhere near good enough to be manager of one of the biggest clubs in the world in Manchester United.
Wed Nov 10, 2021 7:24 pm
Big Hill Blue wrote:Molde? Optimism?
He was being touted as one of Europe’s top young managers at the time
Thu Nov 11, 2021 8:05 pm
What on earth would make anyone think OGS was a fit for us? He had a priveledged playing career surrounded by players who were much better than him. He knew nothing about life at the wrong end of the Premiership or about organising a defence. Match of the Day September Hansen "Cardiff well organised, look strong, difficult to beat, there'll be OK". OGS comes in and we are a disaster. As was his recruitment. Shocking. Only plus point was Morrison who has been great until this season. And Dalman thought he was the cat that had the cream. Absolute muppet then and since.