The reaction to United’s loss against West Ham on Sunday has been overpowering, with some even calling for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to be fired. Of course, it’s difficult to argue that the performance was anything other than abject, but the fact remains that United’s boss should be given more time to turn this ship around.
Solskjaer was brought in at a difficult period last season and miraculously got United past PSG in the Champions League. However, league form has plummeted since that night in Paris, but regardless, the boss needs the time to make the changes he feels fit. But, why should United stick by the Norwegian?
Work In Progress
It feels like all United fans have been saying over recent seasons is that we are a work in progress. But, it could be argued that there is a case that Solskjaer has done more in his tenure so far than any of his predecessors. He has cleared the decks, and he is trying to restore an identity that has been lacking for far too long. The identity that he is bringing revolves around young players, and for every performance like there was at Chelsea, there is always going to be a performance like there was at West Ham. Patience is needed for players such as Daniel James, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Mason Greenwood to enable them to bed in.
Injuries Stalling Momentum
The injury list that United have had over the recent seasons has been nothing short of dreadful. It could be down to injury-prone players, but still, there is an element of bad fortune about it. Luke Shaw is once again injured, while Paul Pogba and Anthony Martial have also sat out the last two league games. United aren’t the same team without those three in it, and all three of them play in positions where United aren’t blessed with depth. Once these players are back, then I wholeheartedly believe there will be an upturn in form.
Firing Solskjaer Would Be Hugely Damaging
The most important case for keeping Solskjaer is because the board backed him over the summer. They allowed him the reins to ship out Chris Smalling, Alexis Sanchez and Romelu Lukaku and allowed Ole to bring in Harry Maguire as well as James and Wan-Bissaka. The foundation of buying young English players is now setting, but if United would change direction again, then the whole foundation would be broken. Solskjaer still needs time to see his plan out, and with the youthful talent that he has at his disposal, it almost seems inconceivable that the good results won’t come.
Article contributed by Echoes Contributor Alex. Comments are appreciated on our Facebook page.
If you would like to contribute, kindly get in touch with us on [email protected].