Manchester United lack of depth evident but Solskjaer should trust them more

Manchester United failed to seal their Champions League spot against West Ham.

“I think the difference between Ole and me is Ole has been given time. But I have to say he’s doing a really good job.”- exclaimed ex-Manchester United manager, David Moyes. Clearly, the Scot, still, holds the grudge over how his Old Trafford tenure came to an abrupt end which was supposed to run six seasons, at the minimum, or at least what the contract suggested.

Perhaps, the greatest moment in Moyes’ regime was Wayne Rooney committing his long-term future to the club. And probably, the Scottish manager and United, themselves, have moved on. And from recent suggestions, we should stick to what Stretford outfit is up to, currently.

The clash against West Ham was a golden opportunity for Solskjaer to show his side’s progress by sealing their spot in the top-four. A few months ago, comprehending elite European competition via league spots would have lied on preposterous realms for Red Devils.

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Credit to everyone who played their part in Man United’s unbeaten run of 19 games, which made it possible for the Reds to fill a substantial rift of points. But now, as seen on umpteen occasions during past seasons, the team has endured a nerve-wracking finish to the campaign.

2019/20 campaign was never anticipated to be a merry ride and the manager notified of the highs and the lows his clutch of emerging Reds will decide through the course of the season. And after languishing in the mid-table towards the end of last year, Old Trafford faithful had accepted the mediocrity their beloved club had at their disposal.

But, the adamance of pushing through the deals of Bruno Fernandes and Odion Ighalo in January meant Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had something to work with till the season was concluded. And the astute coaching drills seemed fruitful as the injection of quality was evident in resurgent performances of the Reds.

Despite racking up crucial results domestically and in Europa League, it was expected that momentum would attenuate and reigniting the spirit would be an uphill assignment, considering the dearth of options to reshuffle the pack without allowing the standards to sink.

Luckily, for United, pandemic struck at a pivotal juncture, allowing the nursing candidates, Paul Pogba and Marcus Rashford, to recover in time for the final push for the Champions League places. However, an unforgiving catalogue of games ensured Red Devils face the dreaded scenario.

Now, after 10 games in less than a month, players are feeling the fatigue with onus lying on getting over their line depending on their mental robustness rather than physical. No matter how critical the solution, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could do with a few brave decisions for the showdown against Leicester City on Sunday.

Solskjaer should trust his substitutes until better options become available

Sticking to the same core of players during the run-in was justified as Manchester United piled up spectacular scoring hauls with every passing game. Though, such attacking expressions have come at a dear cost, fatigue. Now more than ever, Solskjaer should try and make an impact through his decisions during the 90 minutes.

Continually, the Norwegian manager has waited till the clock hits 70-minute mark before shuffling his pack. There is a fair amount of examples which justifies the need for fresh players donning the pitch much earlier than routine arrivals.

Being an expert in making an impact by coming off the bench, Solskjaer, clearly, doesn’t envisage the players capable of turning the course of the game by their own. However, it might be a prudent call to be pro-active rather than waiting for his trusted crop to deliver a moment of brilliance.

Odion Ighalo, the striker who was brought to append a brutish dimension to the fluid attack, doesn’t do anyone favours by warming the comfortable cushions of the elevated Old Trafford dugout.

Instead of utilising the Nigerian striker to reduce game minutes for fellow forwards, Solskjaer should consider locking Ighalo in the opposition box to execute unaesthetic route one football, contrary to what current Manchester United management is trying to impart. But, a few phases of contrasting playing style won’t matter should it result in extra points.

Against West Ham, where Marcus Rashford was passive for majority of the game, Ighalo was fair shout given Hammers’ high-press causing substantial problems against a spent Red Devils force.

Nemanja Matic, who himself has seen his fortunes change at Old Trafford, has orchestrated United’s fluid football with aplomb. And the Serbian’s impetuous fouls towards the end of West Ham game showcased how the relentless run of fixtures has had its toll on the 31-year-old.

Scott McTominay would’ve been a fair shout, despite doubts over his ability as a number six, given an added aggression to counter Declan Rice and Tomas Soucek in opposition midfield.

Lastly, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer might be sending a signal to his bosses over the pressing need to reinforce the squad, seemingly behind the league pacesetters Manchester City and Liverpool. But, to amplify his pleas even further, a third league spot might be a handy factor. To achieve that, the Norwegian might have to gamble like his mentor, Sir Alex Ferguson, did.

Do you think Manchester United will finish inside the top four?