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How will Solskjaer be remembered at United?

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer - Manchester United
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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is Manchester United through and through. Aspects of class, mixed with a never say die attitude ensured that the Norwegian will be etched into United’s history books.

But how will the Old Trafford faithful remember him? As the baby faced goal machine capable of dismantling defensive lines, or as the manager who many feel to be the wrong man for the job? 

Solsjkaer was absolutely glorious in his days donning the red of United. Having risen up the ranks at Norwegian clubs, Ole got his big break at United in 1996, and spent the better part of his career during the club’s heyday. 

Coming in as a surprise package to an already stacked United, Solskjaer wasted no time etching his name into Old Trafford folklore, as he scored six minutes into his debut, after coming on as a sub against Blackburn. The Norweigian had the likes of Eric Cantona, and Andy Cole to compete with, however still managed to secure the role as the starting number 9 in Sir Alex’s ranks. 

He scored 91 goals in 235 appearances at United, and amassed an impressive 237 goals in 386 games throughout his entire career. He firmly solidified himself as a Red Devils’ favourite, and become one of Old Trafford’s favourite sons for his incredible performances. Solsjkaer spent an incredible eleven years at United, meaning he was one of the longest-serving players during Sir Alex’s tenure. 

Nicknamed the Baby Faced Assassin, Ole was became revered for his ability to put goals away, while looking extraordinarily youthful while doing it. 

United are week in, week out favourites everywhere, from online bookmakers in South Africa, to brick and mortar betting shops in the UK and beyond. Many however are beginning to question whether Solsjkaer’s legend as the baby faced assassin will be ruined by his shortcomings as manager. 

So, will Solsjkaer be remembered as the player? Or as the manager? To best assess this question, we need to understand Solsjkaer’s rise to managing the mighty red devils. 

Just one year after retiring from international football, Soljkaer began his career as a Manager with United’s academy, and spent three years developing his craft as a football manager. The Norwegian left United’s academy to manage his old club Molde for three seasons, before taking up a job at Cardiff City for one season. In 2015, Ole moved back to Molde, and spent three more seasons managing the team he once played for. 

Solsjkaer had his big football management break in 2018, after then United boss Jose Mourinho was sacked after just 144 days in charge. Ole was initially hired as a caretaker manager, but after a string of exceptionally positive performances, the United board decided to hand him the permanent management position. 

As in most situations, when a new manager comes in, a team tends to up its game. But now that Ole’s been at the wheel for a while, are we beginning to see his shortcomings appear? His mismanagement of players, along with flawed decision making has many wondering if he is the right man to take United forward. In the end, this could seriously harm the once golden reputation attached to one of Fergie’s greatest imports.

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