Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the manager of Manchester United, has been given a chance to turn things around following a humiliating 5-0 loss at home to rival Liverpool last Sunday. Despite speculation about his imminent departure after nearly three years in the role, Solskjaer has retained his position, with several sources telling Reuters that he will lead the team in its match on Saturday against Tottenham Hotspur.
United players are scheduled to return to their training base in Carrington on Tuesday, where the Norwegian coach will begin the challenging task of getting the team back on track after the shocking performance against Liverpool and preparing for the upcoming clash with Tottenham. After the match against Tottenham, United will travel to Italy to face Atalanta in the Champions League on Tuesday. United currently tops its group and seems in a strong position to qualify for the Round of 16.
Following that, they will play at home against Manchester City, managed by Pep Guardiola, where Solskjaer cannot afford another humiliating defeat like the one against Liverpool. Sources close to the club indicate that United does not wish to make a hasty change and is currently focused on fixing the issues affecting the team's performance and results. This renewed backing comes despite immense pressure on Solskjaer (48 years old) after the humiliating loss on Sunday.
Media reports suggest that former Juventus and Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has expressed interest in the position, and there are claims of discontent in the locker room. However, Solskjaer is well aware that continued poor results and lackluster performances like those on Sunday could cost him his job at a club that has not won the Premier League title since Manchester United last did so in 2013 during the legendary Alex Ferguson's final season.
United finished second in the Premier League last season and reached the final of the Europa League before signing World Cup-winning French defender Raphael Varane, England winger Jadon Sancho, and five-time Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo. These signings, particularly the Ronaldo deal, heightened hopes that United would finally clinch the title this season, but the team has earned just one point from its last four matches and looks far off the level of the top three, Chelsea, Manchester City, and Liverpool.
Since Solskjaer took over on an interim basis following José Mourinho's departure in December 2018, the club has made significant efforts to restore the atmosphere of the Ferguson era, which Solskjaer experienced as a player. The team has gradually improved, leading United to extend Solskjaer's contract in July until 2024, with an option for another year. Therefore, United is reluctant to make a rushed change that could disrupt its future plans.
Solskjaer will prioritize strengthening a defense that appeared powerless against Liverpool and also in a 4-2 loss against Leicester City the week before. Varane's return from injury could bolster United's squad, but the team may also need to adjust its style of play, focusing on solid defending and counter-attacking. However, Solskjaer will first have to deal with a group of players who feel deeply wounded in their pride after the crushing defeat to their eternal rivals.
