5 reasons why Manchester United have improved since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer took over from Jose Mourinho

Playing the ‘United Way’

Gary Neville must have mentioned them half a dozen times in commentary as Manchester United defeated Spurs 1-0 at Wembley a couple of weeks ago. “Pace”, “counter-attack”, “quick transition”. All buzz words when you think of the type of football famously associated with Manchester United.

A historic brand of football built up over many years by the great Sir Matt Busby, harnessed by the greatest, Sir Alex Ferguson. A tradition that was starting to crumble under recent predecessors such as Louis Van Gaal and Jose Mourinho.

However, the main reason Manchester United fans are revelling in the early success of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s reign is that he has reinstated the “United Way”. Just as people started to suggest that it was going to be extinguished, the Red Devils prodigal son returned.

United are now playing with full-backs high up the pitch again, midfield players whose first thought is forward, attackers who want to run in behind defenders and all at pace.