Finally last month, the worst kept secret in football was finally put to bed, and Ole Gunnar Solskjær was given a three-year contract at Manchester United. It is a reward for and a testament to just how much and how quickly he has turned things around at Old Trafford. Fittingly, his main rival for the job, Mauricio Pochettino, has seen his fortunes go just as steeply the other way in the same period. As Solskjaer himself has said, now the hard work begins, and there is a lot to do if he is to extend the honeymoon period into a successful tenure at the club.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Manchester United’s Needs This Summer
The Remainder of the Season
Before we get into what needs to happen in the summer, as a result of their upturn of form, United have a lot to play for in the remaining weeks of the season. They go into their forthcoming Champions League semi-finals as big underdogs to overcome Barcelona.
No one gave them much of a chance in Paris though, and his side have more than a puncher’s chance of progressing. Realistically, a top-four place is their best chance of ending the season on a high. With Tottenham Hotspur seemingly unable to stop their slide and Chelsea consistently inconsistent, that is looking more and more likely.
It is hard to overplay just what an impact the Norwegian has had on the club he enjoyed so much success at as a player. From taking over, to being given the job full time, Solskjaer’s team secured 32 points from 13 games. That is two more than Manchester City, and one more than Liverpool, who had played a game more. It is not just about the points though. It’s the buzz around the club, the smiles on players’ faces, the excitement in the stands: all things that were so noticeable by their absence under Jose Mourinho are now back in spades. So, regardless of how things turn out this season, what are the club’s priorities in the Summer, to ensure all of this is not merely a flash in the pan?
Top-Down Approach
First things first, United need to tie down Mike Phelan. Things there are moving quickly and by the time you are reading this, he may have signed on the dotted line. Phelan has not had the headlines that Solskjaer has received, but there is little doubt his contribution has been almost as valuable. United also need to bring in a sporting director to help Ed Woodward in the transfer market, and to develop a philosophy and strategy to run throughout all levels of the playing staff, from youth up to the first team.
That is something that has been sorely lacking and is perhaps as big a reason for the club’s demise as Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure. Usually they would have brought in the sporting director first to oversee the recruitment of a manager, but Manchester United are a big enough draw to ensure that should not be an issue. Whoever does come in will have their work cut out in the summer.
Balancing the Team
Despite spending heavily in recent years, the side looks horribly unbalanced at times and is crying out for players in specific areas of the pitch. Admittedly Mourinho did pinpoint several of these, and it was the board’s inability to get his chosen targets that started the rot. Before they start making moves themselves they need to resolve one way or the other the Paul Pogba situation. In a way, it is a win-win scenario for United. Ever since their upturn, he has been playing well, but not excellently. If Zinedine Zidane does tempt him to Real Madrid, it will not be for peanuts, and ultimately his departure could pave the way for better suited and more desperately needed players. De Gea is another name that is consistently linked with a move away, but if United can secure a Champions League place next season, the chances are that the Spanish ‘keeper will still be at Old Trafford.
Those two aside, there are other areas of play that need addressing as a matter of urgency. In midfield, United need someone capable of driving the team forward. Matic is a shadow of the player he was at Chelsea, and they don’t have anyone capable of grabbing the game by the scruff of its neck. They also need a right-sided defender and a centre half. None of those are cheap, nor do they come with a guarantee of success, especially in a league that is so unforgiving. If they are not addressed however, no amount of calling on the spirit of 1999 will be enough to sustain a challenge for an entire season.
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