It is safe to say that Manchester United have made some significant progress this season. As things stand they sit at second in the Premier League table and are in the quarter-finals of the Europa League, where they will be the favourites when they take on European debutants Granada.
But for all their improvement, there have been some downs this season as well. Firstly, they failed to make it out of their Champions League group. And they have crashed out of both domestic cup competitions as well.
With Manchester City in a commanding lead at the top of the Premier League table, it looks unlikely that the Red Devils will lift the league title this season either unless Pep Guardiola’s side slip up.
Danny Murphy believes that the manager could be in danger of getting sacked as well if the side fail to win the Europa League this season. As reported by TalkSport, he said:
"“He’s in a position for me where the Europa League, for me, has become monumental for him and the club.“I like him and I’m not one who wants to see managers sacked and I do think they’ve made some strides forward, but Manchester United have to be doing better.“If they don’t win the Europa League and only finish in the top four then I think they’ll make a change.”"
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Could Manchester United sack Solskjaer if they have a trophyless season?
Recently, there were rumours that Solskjaer was set to be handed an extension after the progress that the club had made under him this season. This was before the FA Cup elimination at the hands of Leicester City though. And that could change how people look at this season.
There is a very real possibility that this could prove to be another trophyless season for the Red Devils. And while progress is important, ultimately the manager’s time at the club will be judged based on trophies. Till now, he has not won one.
There is a great chance for United to change that in the Europa League though. At this stage, they will be one of the favourites to lift the trophy. And if that does happen, along with a top four finish, it will be viewed as a successful season for both Solskjaer and the team as a whole.