It was almost fitting that he be given the opportunity to manage the club that made him a legend, as somewhat of a substitute, replacing Jose Mourinho midway through the season as caretaker/manager, tasked with salvaging what he could from the remaining games as a temporary replacement. Was this a bit of nostalgia from United hierarchy ? Was this maybe their chance to see Ole's impact late into a game? Well they def got a glimpse of his impact, as United under his reign went 14 wins from 19 games, winning the manager of the month along the way, and famously overturning a 2-0 deficit at the hands of PSG to progress to the next round. Things were looking great, and United fans from the 90's began to get a tingly feeling again that had left them since the day Sir Alex decided to leave the dugout for good. On March 28th 2019, however, Ole was appointed as permanent manager on a three year contract, and this was met with some skepticism from many United fans, given the state of the team, and the previous three managers before him eventual demise.
Ole began his reign the right way. Coming from the Fergie Era, he knew the level of fitness required, and embarked on a rigorous fitness program to ensure his players, if not as technically gifted as others in the league, were at least at a higher fitness level, ensuring the possibility of the late surge his United career was built on. His demeanor and preference for youth and pace was a welcomed change, as he relegated players to the bench who were not part of his plans. Romelu Lukaku being one of the unfortunate casualties to his new style of play, much to the delight of huge sections of the fan base who were left frustrated by his lack of technical ability on the field. Of course, the same fans who rejoiced as he was sold, are now upset at the board for selling him, as he performs at a world beater level at Inter Milan in Italy. But such is the fickle mentality of the United fan base spoilt by years of silverware and bragging rights. Nothing seems good enough, and nothing can happen quickly enough to please the belly of the beast.
Inheritance
The voices of United fans were starting to rise in decibel levels, twitter fingers started to regain speed and strength, much like Trinidadians do the months before Carnival. We have seen it before. A new manager comes in, bringing with him renewed hope, and before confirming if new management would bring a prolonged period of dominance, as is the norm, United fans begin to talk. Commonly used phrases of "20" or "Knocked you off you perch" or "most trophies in England" started to trend in football picong conversations once again. However, this was short lived, as the problems in United's squad started to show once again. 3 different managers over 12 different transfer windows had assembled a mix match of players brought in to fill certain gaps in the formation and tactics of the manager at the time. Ole had inherited a callaloo of sorts, with a little bit of everything, but by no means a title winning team. An aging backline, average youth products, mediocre creativity were Fergie's players, who managed to perform under the World class management and motivation of Sir Alex. Under Moyes, United had just finished winning their 20th title the season before, in what would be the last season under the great Sir Alex. By no means the greatest team at his disposal, but such was the lack of competition at the time United were able to stride to the finish line with relative ease. Taking over from Sir Alex was never going to be easy, and any transfers made would be heavily sructinzed unlike those of Sir Alex who could do no wrong. The singings of Bebe, Manucho, Tosic, Prunier, Kleberson Djemba-Djemba, Forlan, Obertan & Bellion seemed to have been forgotten, and were never met with the dismay and angst of that of Felliani, and other transfers post Fergie. It was a sign that the United fan base was not ready to step out the spotlight. They were not ready for the cycle to start, for the eventual drop from glory before they can be rebuilt to a powerhouse. It has happened so many times, to so many clubs who have dominated for long spells. Its impossible to maintain, and almost inevitable.
The Board
The appointment of David Moyes was seen as the first misstep by the new scapegoat for United's demise, The Board. The "Board" became a hooded figure of mystery, gaining infamy through every decision which was seen as ill advised and detrimental to the progression of the club. Ed Woodward was now the man behind the cloak to most fans, made to be as evil as Emperor Palpatine whos identity was really Sith lord Darth Sidious. This wheeling and dealing Woodward initially was seen as a Hero, and became a wildly popular meme amongst United fans for his ability to get talents such as Juan Mata to switch the blue of Chelsea for the Red of Manchester. However his reputation quickly went sour, as the lack of activity, and prolonged transfer sagas started to become headline news more often than not. United were under the spotlight, as they had been for so many years, but somehow the stories that we knew were made up under Fergie, all seemed plausible as supermarket tabloid journalists and writers had a field day, linking any player under the sun to the club, as they searched to rebuild. This built up the hopes of Many Glory hunting fans who had joined the bandwagon in the hay day of Fergie era. The possibility of signing Gareth Bale, Neymar, Thiago Alcantara, Dybala, Isco, Kroos and even a return for CR7 have all made headlines, and created a lack of confidence in "The Board" but the question is were the club ever in for such players in the first place, and if they were, are such transfers even feasible. Such has been the media influence over the new fan base of United fans. They have been able to create excitement with names being thrown around at will, without any credibility to the stories, and with the eventual non transfer simultaneously creating lack of confidence in those entrusted with transfers. The fans have become the epitomy of backseat drivers, who seem to know what the club needs more than those who are at the helm. Fans who have never played a team sport in their lives, or been part of a competitive football team, seemingly now tactical experts from their 5 consecutive seasons on FIFA ultimate team, calling for players to be purchased, without knowing the ins and out of transfer and contract policy, not to mention the added confusion of footballing agents in most deals. Manchester United were never a club to spend 200mill in a season on players, relying on specific small fees for problem areas, and the occasional large sum for a possible future superstar ala Rooney. But times have changed. The club is still huge draw for players, although falling significantly in the pecking order for preferred destinations of potential players. The allure of playing in the Champions League is not assured on a season to season basis, given the rise of Liverpool and City along with the likes of Leicester, Chelsea and Tottenham (lets not mention Arsenal). The world class manager who can progress a players career has gone, and only under Jose have we had that "star power" manager who players may want to learn from, although his tactics are outdated, and his public bust ups with numerous teams were seen as a negative for many potential stars. The style of play over the past 6 years has been negative, labored and defensive, again not very enticing.
The Board have spent big in the past 6/7 years, not only in transfer fees to attract talent sought after by the manager at the time, but in wages also to encourage them to sign. This admittedly has created a much larger problem. At no time should a United fan claim that the Board has not supported the club's manager in the transfer window. Juan Mata, Di Maria, Shaw, Hererram Falcao, Blind, Martial, Schneiderlin, Depay, Darmian, Schweinsteiger, Pogba, Mkhitaryan, Zlatan, Bailly, Lukaku, Sanchez, Matic, Lindelof, Fred, Maguire and Wan-Bissaka all sparked excitement and dared fans to dream. These are huge transfers for any club, and somehow the fickle mentality of fans has again led to the blame of the performance of these talents on " The Board". Not one of these players signed were in demise, or playing poorly and were "not of United quality" yet a couple months in, almost all have received criticism from parts of the stands and United global fan base of "experts" as they underperform. Again is this the fault of the board? Have they not done what was asked? Signed world class talents or potential talents? Paid them well to ensure they sign? Given them world class training facilities and managers to take them to the top? What else can be blame the board for other than exorbitant wages which have created somewhat of a problem internally.
The Problems
Currently United find themselves in a January transfer window, with a team riddled with injuries to key players, and little on the bench in terms of depth, with poor results piling up, and pressure mounting on what by all accounts is an inexperienced and youthful team. United boast an attacking front three of Rashford, Martial & James, backed with Mason Greenwood, Jesse Lingard and Andreas Pereira on the bench doesn't exactly strike fear into opposition defenses. But is this the fault of the board? United fans seem to forget that Ole wanted Lukaku sold as he didn't fit into his plans, and Alexeis Sanchez lack of form prompted him to be loaned out to free up a bit of the wage bill. At no point did Ole ask to the public for a replacement, instead claiming he is happy with what he has. Ole is to blame for this situation, regardless of what the tabloids report as potential transfers in the attacking positions. The defense has been upgraded rather expensively and again has not performed as well as we the fans would like. Midfield however, blame can lie with the board. Weather Ole has asked for reinforcements or not, and weather the targeted players are attainable or not is another question, but the board should have noticed the problem area, and at least made a more concerted effort to strengthen in the summer, rather than the labored attempts at present for Bruno Fernandes who day to day seems less likely to join. Such is the problem however that the board has created, and is ultimately trying to fix. The wages and fees paid in the past have lead clubs to demand the highest fee as its an easy "Payday". Players & agents have the same idea and have held the club to ransom, knowing their desperation to sign them, and willingness to pay over the odds.
The board, have noticed this, and have actively under Ole been trying to fix the problem. Getting rid of dead weight is the first step in fixing the club. Mediocre players, or players past their prime need to be cleared out, but the wages that they are paid at united is the biggest stumbling block in securing moves away, and other clubs cant afford to pay what United have paid. The board have also taken a stance it seems on the apparent holding to ransom by clubs, as is seen in the prolonged Bruno saga, which is frustrating to many fans given the importance this players need is to top 4 hopes, but is a necessary action to ensure United aren't hit with World record fees in the summer for their other targets. ITs a process, and although frustrating and lengthy, should pay dividends.
Motivation
It seems that Ole Gunnar and his team lack motivation, and by extension confidence. This comes only with proper management, teamwork and of course a good run of winning games. Ole, as much as I would like him to succeed and hope he is given a bit longer to try and implement his plan once he clears out and rebuilds, seems to be out of his depth as a manager. His clear & obvious tactic of counter attacking football with a pacey front three is exciting, but clear also that there is no plan B. An early goal against, seems to be a death sentence as the young boys more often than not, put their heads down in disappointment. This is obvious of lack of motivation and confidence instilled in the team, rather than lack of ability. Liverpool and City have proven over the past couple years what a winning mentality can do, coming from behind countless times, and scoring late as the will to win is there.
We as fans don't know what is said behind the scenes, and how Ole motivates his team, but if his Pre & post game interviews and demeanor on the touchline are any indication, its as scary as a Butterfly gently landing on your forearm, lightly fluttering its wings as you politely shoo it away. There has never been a sense of anger, never been a sight of frustration as he continuously smiles in light of embarrassing losses. Stark contrast to the negative attitude and confrontational style of Jose, however equally as negative to the progression of the team. The lack of leadership on the pitch is now equaled with a lack of strong leadership off the pitch. With the signing of Harry Maguire however, there is hope as he has been handed the armband, and can be for United the commanding figure of a Rio Ferdinand, which the club needs badly.
Coaching
The bigger problem however lays with the United players & coaching and of late, its medical staff. Many a game fans have witnessed players on the pitch playing more misplaced passes than ever before, lack of communication, lack of attacking movement, uncertainty in defense, and the constant deployment of ineffective tactics and formations without change. The board cannot be blamed for this. The passing and movement of the players can be of world class caliber, and has been demonstrated on occasion against high profile opposition. The boys can play football. Why is it that when they square up against the teams in the bottom half, there is a definite drop in ability? The coaching along with motivation seems to be lacking. The tactics deployed remain largely unchanged game to game, and only small changes to the lineup taking place. The selection at times has come in for major criticism, with some sympathy for the players available at his disposal, but the starts given to Pereira, Lingard, Jones, Matic, Young and Mata have been criticized more times than not. There have been calls for Angel Gomes to start more, or Mason Greenwood to oust Lingard from the lineup, but who are we the fans to make those calls? Have we seen these lads in training, and know their true ability to play in a full 90 min game? Do we know if they possess the stamina that Ole wants or requires, and their commitment to defending? Probably not, as we haven't seen enough of either, but what Lingard and Pereira have given is effort, if not anything else. That being said, I do support a change if what is being done doesn't work, which Ole has been apprehensive to do. Playing time, is the biggest factor in creating great form for players, as we see clearly with the resurgence of Fred as a general in the midfield, Mata as a creative genius, and Matic as the enforcer in the middle of the park. Each player at points in the season have been lambasted by fans, and demanded that they be sold, only to have a run of games and find form.
The Players
This group cannot go without blame. Most if not all have been on the receiving end of harsh criticism and hate mail and although sometimes a bit much, ultimately warranted. The players at the end of the day are paid handsomely to perform their job. At the end of the day these are employees of the club. Paid to perform at the highest level. With misplaced passing, fitness levels visibly low, bad decision making and lack of determination being seen week in week out, part of the blame must lie with the players. Missed attempts happen, and passes go astray at all clubs, and can be forgiven if results were positive, but as the losses pile up, something has to give. Invisible performances from Jesse Lingard, distracted attempts from De Gea, ineffective appearances from Andreas Pereira are down to the players more than anything else. The simplest of tasks seems far out of reach for most, leading to the brightest sparks being the most inexperienced. Williams and Greenwood are the epitome of what a winning mentality can do, and is something not being replicated by the others on the pitch. These players have to want it, more than what Ole can inspire, these players should be, and need to be determined to win, and prove worthy of wearing the badge on their chest.
This group cannot go without blame. Most if not all have been on the receiving end of harsh criticism and hate mail and although sometimes a bit much, ultimately warranted. The players at the end of the day are paid handsomely to perform their job. At the end of the day these are employees of the club. Paid to perform at the highest level. With misplaced passing, fitness levels visibly low, bad decision making and lack of determination being seen week in week out, part of the blame must lie with the players. Missed attempts happen, and passes go astray at all clubs, and can be forgiven if results were positive, but as the losses pile up, something has to give. Invisible performances from Jesse Lingard, distracted attempts from De Gea, ineffective appearances from Andreas Pereira are down to the players more than anything else. The simplest of tasks seems far out of reach for most, leading to the brightest sparks being the most inexperienced. Williams and Greenwood are the epitome of what a winning mentality can do, and is something not being replicated by the others on the pitch. These players have to want it, more than what Ole can inspire, these players should be, and need to be determined to win, and prove worthy of wearing the badge on their chest.
Fans
Touched on lightly in the points above, the Manchester United fan base has to take a large part of the blame for the clubs demise. The lack of support, booing of players, scheduling of walk outs, social media attacks on players and performance, calling for the sack for managers often a year in due to a string of bad results, is a plague that is only getting worse. Of course the fans have a right to be frustrated, and demand better performances. This is Manchester United after all. Accustomed to caviar and lobster, its a long fall from grace to be eating curried crab and dumpling. But this is football. This happens. The process and rebuilding is not made easier by over anxious fans who want a quick fix. The fans who have stopped watching games, stopped purchasing merchandise, and who have dismissed the ability of the team to defeat opponents, airing a sense of negativity never before seen has brought the club to a new low. There is no belief anymore, the chanting in Old Trafford has become muted, and the excitement for games has been diminished to levels unbecoming of a top 4 club, let alone the current most successful club in English Premier league history. The constant cries for a player to be benched, and then the cries for that player to be picked when his replacement underperforms, is a clear example. The demanding of players on transfer who fans have no idea the contract situation or willingness to sell by the club is laughable. The bandwagonism of fans to join in on Glazers out chants without knowing the impact is confusing.
Its a long road to the top, and as the clubs name says, we should remain "UNITED", however the current state has led to a feeling of disorganization, depression, confusion and United only in expressing negativity and dismay. Ole may not be the man for the job, but is seemingly trying his best with what he has, in the most demanding of positions. He has a lot to learn, and improve on, and glimpses of it have been shown, but more consistency is needed from him, and his players. As the club clears out deadweight, and brings in players of a certain ilk, Ole seems to be the man who can bring the voices back to the Stretford End to chant the famous lyrics of Glory Glory rather than the sorry chants of Glazers Out. Will he get the chance to do so, or will the pressure of fans again win, and a new manager be appointed, to request a new set of players to join the already mix matched batch of talent currently at the club. I for one don't know what will happen, but I share the sentiment of a return to glory for my beloved Red Devils, more so now in the new found glory of our bitter rivals LiVARpool. "The night is dark and full of terror" but I have faith that our day will return, once we remain UNITED forever.
