Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looks set to replace Ruben Amorim at Manchester United, but the Norwegian will be in demand on his return to Old Trafford.
Solskjaer is scheduled to meet with Red Devils leaders (Image: Getty Images)
Ole Gunnar Solskjær will be hoping he can once again be Manchester United’s savior. The Norwegian is set to hold talks with the Red Devils’ bosses about a further return to Old Trafford.
If all goes to plan, he will replace Ruben Amorim in United’s hot seat on an interim basis until the end of the season. It’s a role Solskjaer has played before, having even parachuted in in 2018 when things went south under Jose Mourinho.
He will no doubt be hoping to repeat his previous job at Old Trafford this time around. But he has a big job ahead of him.
United are fresh off the back of their worst Premier League season in the club’s history, but they have shown their vulnerabilities once again. So what will version 2 of Solskjær look like?
And what problem will he have to solve? Mirror Football predicts some pressing questions he may have to answer before a decision is made to return.
read more: Ole Gunner Solskjaer plans major reinforcements ahead of talks with Manchester United, confirming returnread more: Jason Wilcox’s extraordinary comments at Manchester United’s training ground before Ruben Amorim’s departure
1. Which formation do you play?
The most pressing issue Solskjaer must decide on is his tactical approach at Old Trafford. His preferred formation during his first spell at the club was 4-2-3-1, which seemed to yield immediate results as United won 14 of 19 games as caretaker manager.
It would mean a major departure from the rigid 3-4-3 system that Amorim regularly deployed. While this is a change, one could argue that it will make players a little more comfortable.
Amorim changed his formation to a back four last month and reaped dividends. Caretaker manager Darren Fletcher also used a 4-2-3-1 in the recent game against Burnley. So Solskjaer may want to stick to that setup.
That would probably satisfy his potential employer as well. A major source of friction between Amorim and director of football Jason Wilcox was his tactical stubbornness.
Solskjaer to leave United in 2021 (Image: Getty Images)
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2. How can you get the most out of Benjamin Sesko?
Much was expected of Benjamin Sesko after his £74 million move from RB Leipzig, but the Slovenian has so far failed to reach the heights expected. He has only scored four goals, two of which have come in recent matches.
If there’s anyone who understands the pressure and expectations of leading United’s front line, it’s Solskjaer. Some advice and an arm around the Norwegian’s shoulders may be all Sesco needs to unleash his true self.
Even if that doesn’t happen, some detailed training at Carrington will certainly give Sesco the guidance he needs on how to put the ball in the net.
Benjamin Sesco has scored just four goals for Manchester United (Image: Getty Images)
3. Are you satisfied with a purely interim stint?
The last time Solskjaer took over as United manager, it was once again an interim position, with the intention of appointing someone with a higher profile once the campaign was over. However, Solskjaer was so impressed that he appointed him at the end of his term.
If the same situation were to arise this time around, it would be interesting to see the verdict on both him and the club regarding another long-term stay. If Solskjær wants a more permanent move, he may be forced to look elsewhere, especially given the ending of the relationship between the two sides last time.
Solskjaer’s second stint at the club may not satisfy fans either. But if he’s willing to take the reins for now and step back when the time is right, it could be a beneficial partnership for everyone.
Solskjaer insisted on the permanent job the last time he was interim manager (Image: Getty Images)
4. Are you happy to work without a new contract?
Given Solskjaer’s temporary move to Old Trafford, United’s leaders are unlikely to feel comfortable spending big in the transfer market.
Amorim believed that he was not given the tools to complete his work to the level he desired and found this to be a source of great frustration.
Solskjaer will also have to make do with the club’s current squad. And while it doesn’t matter in an attacking sense, the Red Devils have already invested heavily in attack in the summer, there are still glaring gaps in both midfield and defense.
That could well hold United back for the rest of the season, so it will depend on whether Solskjaer is willing to work without any real backing.
5. How do you solve club culture problems?
When Solskjaer retired in November 2021, he revealed that his main complaint was the behavior of some players. “There were some players who weren’t as good as I thought they were,” Solskjaer said, as quoted by The Athletic.
He added, “I won’t name names, but I was very disappointed when a couple turned down the chance to become captain. I was also disappointed when others said they would not play or practice because they wanted to quit.”
Of course, there has been a major overhaul within the dressing room, but United still have questions about the club’s culture. Some players are rumored to be leaving the club, while others are dissatisfied with life at the club. That may be something Solskjaer wants to fix.
Whether that means sending some players off or quietly introducing them back into the team remains to be seen, but it will undoubtedly be one of his biggest challenges as he prepares to return to Old Trafford.
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