Would you sack or keep Ole? (Poll reopened)

[Majima]

And just before he took over, everyone was saying we should sell half the team. Just goes to show fans are kneejerk and clueless.

Not true. No they wasn't at all. Everyone was over the moon with Mourinho's sacking because the general consensus was, that he was too negative & was holding the team back from fulfilling their potential.

Ole came in, said what everyone was thinking in public, that this is a very talented group of players who are capable of much more, then went on that run and everyone was like ''See? We knew it all along...''

So just because the squad is considered terrible now, doesn't mean that was the general mood when Ole came in.

 

[Halftrack]

At first people were saying what's the point of sacking Ole since there was no better manager to replace him. Now Poch is available and people start to argue that given more time Ole could be better than Poch. Feck me.

This is just dumb, and something you see far too often on here. "People were saying this, but then X happened, and now they're saying something different!" That might be because the first set of people you're referring to aren't the same as the second set of people you're referring to.

People say that now because they have done so well. If Lampard flopped people would have said “lost best player” “playing youth” “needs signings” if Rodgers flopped this season people would have said “sold best CB didn’t replace him “ “took over Leicester when they were 12”.
Rebuild is an excuse managers use. When Ole won 10 games in a row and beat PSG no one was talking about this Man Utd needling a 3 year rebuild.

I think almost everyone agreed that we needed a quality CB, an RB, a CM (two when it became clear that Herrera would leave) and an RW. People also agreed that players like Sanchez, Lingard, one of Jones and Smalling, Rojo, Young, Mata and Matic needed to go. That's five signings needed for the starting XI, in addition to a massive pile of deadwood needing to be cleared out. These were things that were widely agreed on before we hit our run of bad form. Add to that Lukaku moaning his way out the doors, and I'm curious to know what you would call it if not a rebuild?

 

[Bobcat]

and injurie have increase (Musculare ones as well). Play has nit improved we are dreadfull to watch. 1 good game followed by 2 bad ones.

More injuries often comes with a new fitness regime. At the end of last season when everyone was getting injured left and right and we were dead on our feet after first half, it was crystal clear that fitness levels were awful and the players were not at all used to playing at that intensity

Joseball relies on playing safe with a low block and then having great passers in midfield who can ping balls up to a target man. Pragmatic and boring? Maybe, but it has won him trophies and most importantly its a style that really conserves energy. That 14/15 season when he won the league with Chelsea he pretty much used the same 15 players the whole year in all competitions its was quite bizarre

We have been dreadful in some games, but that is mostly down to Martial being out and without a CF that can play hold up a 4231 or any system with just one striker is awful

 

[Nucks]

Yeah it was fun watching us losing to Newcastle, Bournemouth, WHU and Co.

While playing incredibly negative football at times over the season, with like 20-25% possession.

Yippie.

 

[devilish]

It seems that taking Gigg's advice regarding James and buying the most expensive CB in the world from Leicester after the previous manager was denied such signing makes you a top top manager. Managers are judged on tactics, results and man management. Ole ended the season 6th in the league and we're currently 7th in the league. That's what truly matters. Ah and he's non existent managerial CV

 

[lysglimt]

How come other massive clubs around Europe don’t need this long term strategy to at least finish top four in their respective leagues? I agree we didn’t prepare for SAF’s departure but this romanticism rubbish needs to stop. You either come into a club like United and start getting results quickly at least a moderate standard at the beginning, as in top four form, or the fans and board are going to be on your back. It’s not rocket science. Where we are right now is unacceptable, there’s no two ways about it.

The standard of the Premier League is much higher than the other Leagues in the World. So regardless of how you look at it, there will be some as you call it massive clubs not qualifying for C.L. There are no other leagues in the world with this problem. The only league that is even remotely close is Spain.

 

[Shark]

The standard of the Premier League is much higher than the other Leagues in the World. So regardless of how you look at it, there will be some as you call it massive clubs not qualifying for C.L. There are no other leagues in the world with this problem. The only league that is even remotely close is Spain.

Nah I don't really buy that. To finish 4th in the PL you don't have to be a very good team, it just requires a bit of consistency against the cannon fodder, which Arsenal under Wenger managed for years.

The main issue is we're not even challenging for 4th, because we've lost games to the likes of Newcastle, Bournmouth and Palace.

 

[Schmeichel's Cartwheel]

Have Lampard or Gerrard built their own team?

Lampard pretty much has, yes. Without a transfer window too. Half the team are kids he's brought through.

 

[Walters_19_MuFc]

Have Lampard or Gerrard built their own team?

Not great examples, seeing as neither as these two have done anything special.

Yes, Chelsea are playing good football under Lampard, but playing good football doesn't always equate to winning trophies. Just look at Pochettino.

On the other hand, Pep and Klopp were given time to build their team, and it is now showing.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not putting Ole up there with Pep and Klopp, but we've had no success recently in having managers for two seasons and sacking them. We may as well give Ole time. As I said, the signings thus far have been promising. He now needs better players in midfield and in attack and then I feel we can start to judge him fairly.

 

[Fanatic 00237]

It seems that taking Gigg's advice regarding James and buying the most expensive CB in the world from Leicester after the previous manager was denied such signing makes you a top top manager. Managers are judged on tactics, results and man management. Ole ended the season 6th in the league and we're currently 7th in the league. That's what truly matters. Ah and he's non existent managerial CV

First I don’t think anyone on here has said Ole is a top top manager, this is the sort of exaggeration brought into what should be a civil discussion which makes things get toxic. We can agree to disagree on wanting/not wanting OGS sacked tonight without necessarily winding each other up.

I don’t think anyone has even claimed Ole is a top manager. All people are saying is he looks like the right person we need right now and he seems to be doing the right things. At least some of us appreciate what he’s doing. Neither Zidane nor Pep were top managers when they won their first trophies at top clubs. Sometimes top clubs don’t need a top manager in order to win things, just someone who gets the club culture and can identify, bring in and instil that into the right players. Something our previous failed managers failed to do.

Since DJ was Giggs’ idea and Maguire was Mourinho’s, no credit for AWB and bringing in our bright academy prospects and getting rid of decent senior players who didn’t fit with his tactics then? At least he has his own ideas too, I think?

I agree that managers are judged based on tactics, results and man-management, but you need to add context too. Mourinho sais finishing 2nd in the PL with United was a greater achievement in his eyes than winning the CL with Porto, that’s what I call context.

Ole finished last season 6th, so why don’t you we wait to see where he finishes this one before judging. He’s 7th now, not like he’s 17th. Also CV’s mean nothing when judging a player/manager. It’s what you’re doing here and now which matters (Pep, Zidane, LvG, Mourinho, ...).

 

[Nikelesh Reddy]

Let’s give him more time...Let’s see how it goes until the end of the season.Remember,we can still win the Europa League this season...I don’t think we can finish 4th,but if we win the EL and keep playing good football until the end of the season,then Ole deserves to get another season.If our performances are erratic and if we fail to qualify for the CL,then we can make a change...

 

[Nikelesh Reddy]

It usually is. As in - everywhere, it's not a United/Woodward thing. If anything, the "we're 100% behind the manager" line indicates that he's in deep shit.

The difference this time around is that the club have been making explicit noises about a long-term approach. As I keep saying, if Woodward isn't on the same page as Ole with regard to ins and outs and the expectations for this season, what happened this summer is baffling (even for Woody).

In fact, much of the support for Ole on here is predicated on there being a long-term plan - and that short-term results are expected to be dodgy (because we're clearly some way off having a good enough squad in place).

I”m willing to give him more time,I don’t see the point in sacking him now.We can still win the EL and qualify for next seasons CL,so I think that we need to support Ole until the end of the season(I wanted him out a while ago,but I now think that we should give him time until the end of the season).

I”m all for having a long term approach,but is Ole the right man to take forward this rebuilding process?Is he good enough to manage at this level?These questions will continue to be raised until we can see clear,tangible,discernible progress under him...

 

[devilish]

First I don’t think anyone on here has said Ole is a top top manager, this is the sort of exaggeration brought into what should be a civil discussion which makes things get toxic. We can agree to disagree on wanting/not wanting OGS sacked tonight without necessarily winding each other up.

I don’t think anyone has even claimed Ole is a top manager. All people are saying is he looks like the right person we need right now and he seems to be doing the right things. At least some of us appreciate what he’s doing. Neither Zidane nor Pep were top managers when they won their first trophies at top clubs. Sometimes top clubs don’t need a top manager in order to win things, just someone who gets the club culture and can identify, bring in and instil that into the right players. Something our previous failed managers failed to do.

Since DJ was Giggs’ idea and Maguire was Mourinho’s, no credit for AWB and bringing in our bright academy prospects and getting rid of decent senior players who didn’t fit with his tactics then? At least he has his own ideas too, I think?

I agree that managers are judged based on tactics, results and man-management, but you need to add context too. Mourinho sais finishing 2nd in the PL with United was a greater achievement in his eyes than winning the CL with Porto, that’s what I call context.

Ole finished last season 6th, so why don’t you we wait to see where he finishes this one before judging. He’s 7th now, not like he’s 17th. Also CV’s mean nothing when judging a player/manager. It’s what you’re doing here and now which matters (Pep, Zidane, LvG, Mourinho, ...).

Well you need to be a top top manager to manage Manchester United especially in the state we are in. However let's tackle point by point shall we?

A- apart from AWB who is a 50m rated 'discovery' from an obscure league known as EPL, his signings were suggested by someone else. That's hardly an achievement

B- His deadwood include Smalling who is swiftly becoming one of the best CBs in the Serie A and Lukaku who can't stop scoring goals there. Sanchez is on loan and will come back. Meanwhile players like Shaw, Jones and Lingard are still here. Some were even given long term contracts during the time.

C- apart from Williams and maybe Greenwood very few kids have given enough time to impress. I doubt most have the talent to make it either

Managers should be judged on tactics, on their ability to keep the squad not injured and motivated + their ability to punch above their weight. I see nothing from the failed Cardiff manager who remotely suggest that he's more then Molde's level let alone Man United

 

[Chesterlestreet]

I”m all for having a long term approach,but is Ole the right man to take forward this rebuilding process?Is he good enough to manage at this level?These questions will continue to be raised until we can see clear,tangible,discernible progress under him...

Very fair questions, obviously. I don't have any answers. I'm certainly not "Ole in" in the sense that I'm convinced he's capable of winning big prizes (which has to be the ultimate goal).

We might get, if not definite answers, then at least some decent indications before too long. If United make an astute move or two in the market in January, that would be an indication that the - by and by - famous long-term plan is a reality, and that it is being adhered to. Meanwhile, Ole can't afford many Newcastle style performances with a full strength (or close to it) team. There are legitimate extenuating circumstances one can point to - thus far - but there are clearly limits. Rebuilding whilst being inconsistent and not producing top results is one thing - and understandable in my book - but failing to put your mark on the team (a recognizable style, preferably one that's easier on the eye than what we've become accustomed to over the years) won't do for too long before serious questions must be asked.

 

[SteveW]

Well you need to be a top top manager to manage Manchester United especially in the state we are in. However let's tackle point by point shall we?

A- apart from AWB who is a 50m rated 'discovery' from an obscure league known as EPL, his signings were suggested by someone else. That's hardly an achievement

B- His deadwood include Smalling who is swiftly becoming one of the best CBs in the Serie A and Lukaku who can't stop scoring goals there. Sanchez is on loan and will come back. Meanwhile players like Shaw, Jones and Lingard are still here. Some were even given long term contracts during the time.

C- apart from Williams and maybe Greenwood very few kids have given enough time to impress. I doubt most have the talent to make it either

Managers should be judged on tactics, on their ability to keep the squad not injured and motivated + their ability to punch above their weight. I see nothing from the failed Cardiff manager who remotely suggest that he's more then Molde's level let alone Man United

This fecking nonsense again. Seriously?

If it was that easy how did LVG and Mourinho manage to get 15 signings wrong between them? Do you get how much those mistakes have set us back.

 

[Chesterlestreet]

Is Woodward, a banker, going to relay all the knowledge and information gained during this time to the incoming manager?

That's the big one, indeed.

It would be much easier to fully believe that a corner has been turned, and lessons have been learned, if a DOF had been hired along with the appointment of Ole. The latter is a plausible figure, on paper, as someone who will promote youth (he has done that already) and target players of a certain ilk (youngish, "hungry", non-mercenary types - and, again, he has done that already). But he is the manager, and has to deliver results before too long - he isn't a DOF who can allow himself to stick to a long-term plan that extends beyond whoever coaches the first team.

So, yeah - there are huge question marks over the very "long term plan" idea. I'm waiting for confirmation, so to speak. And in the meantime I see no point to sacking Ole unless he actually brings us close to relegation (which he won't).

 

[devilish]

This fecking nonsense again. Seriously?

If it was that easy how did LVG and Mourinho manage to get 15 signings wrong between them? Do you get how much those mistakes have set us back.

Did you read my post?? Apart from AWB who was a 50m discovery from an obscure league known as EPL none of the signings made were discovered by Ole. James was recommended by Giggs who even stated he is the fastest player he ever saw. Meanwhile Maguire was united target for a long time. In fact Mou wanted him

Also since when we judge managers on their scouting ability? That's the DOF and the scouts job

 

[Chesterlestreet]

A- apart from AWB who is a 50m rated 'discovery' from an obscure league known as EPL, his signings were suggested by someone else. That's hardly an achievement

Does it matter who suggested them? Or that they were "obvious" signings? A manager isn't judged on his personal scouting ability, surely. As a "British style" manager who is responsible for bringing in players, all that matters is whether the players you okay are good fits. Which Ole's players have been so far.

You can criticize him for all sorts of things, but this one is a stretch and a half.

 

[Withnail]

And just before he took over, everyone was saying we should sell half the team. Just goes to show fans are kneejerk and clueless.

But we did need to sell half the team

 

[SteveW]

Did you read my post?? Apart from AWB who was a 50m discovery from an obscure league known as EPL none of the signings made were discovered by Ole. James was recommended by Giggs who even stated he is the fastest player he ever saw. Meanwhile Maguire was united target for a long time. In fact Mou wanted him

Also since when we judge managers on their scouting ability? That's the DOF and the scouts job

The managers have final say. This is bizarre even for you.

 

[devilish]

Does it matter who suggested them? Or that they were "obvious" signings? A manager isn't judged on his personal scouting ability, surely. As a "British style" manager who is responsible for bringing in players, all that matters is whether the players you okay are good fits. Which Ole's players have been so far.

You can criticize him for all sorts of things, but this one is a stretch and a half.

I fully agree which is why I find 'ole's signings were all great' a bit silly. I guess the pro Ole’s fans have little leg to stand upon and must resort to this crap. I mean you can't really remain a pro ole fan if you judge him on matters like tactics, ability to keep players away from injuries and of course results. All are pretty dire

 

[devilish]

The managers have final say. This is bizarre even for you.

Ah so rubber stamping deals regarding established and expensive EPL players who were previously scouted by otherss or a player who Giggs placed all his reputation upon makes Ole a United quality manager?

 

[Withnail]

Did you read my post?? Apart from AWB who was a 50m discovery from an obscure league known as EPL none of the signings made were discovered by Ole. James was recommended by Giggs who even stated he is the fastest player he ever saw. Meanwhile Maguire was united target for a long time. In fact Mou wanted him

Also since when we judge managers on their scouting ability? That's the DOF and the scouts job

The DOF and scouts do collate the lists of possible players based on the manager's requirements but doesn't the manager normally have the final say? If Ole was dead set against any of those players do you really think they still would have been bought?

Managers are always judged on the players they bring in. It's often been said that half the job is getting the right guys in.

 

[devilish]

The DOF and scouts do collate the lists of possible players based on the manager's requirements but doesn't the manager normally have the final say? If Ole was dead set against any of those players do you really think they still would have been bought?

Managers are always judged on the players they bring in. It's often been said that half the job is getting the right guys in.

I answered that in the previous post

 

[red woppit]

Lampard pretty much has, yes. Without a transfer window too. Half the team are kids he's brought through.

I wouldn't go as far as saying he's brought them through, what he has done is introduced them into the first team gradually. These players have been with Chelsea for a few years now, and most of them have had a good grounding in the Championship, where as with United, only Tuanzebe has had the same opportunity. They just needed to get up to premiership speed.

 

[SteveW]

Ah so rubber stamping deals regarding established and expensive EPL players who were previously scouted by otherss or a player who Giggs placed all his reputation upon makes Ole a United quality manager?

So does Fergie get any credit for all those great teams he built? I guess not going by your logic. Some scout would have recommended these players. Either that or they were so well known any idiot could have signed them. No managerial judgement involved. That seems to be the gist of what you are saying. Which is mental.

 

[Chesterlestreet]

I fully agree which is why I find 'ole's signings were all great' a bit silly.

The sample size is too small.

But the point is that Ole - as far as we know - is precisely a "British style" manager in the sense that United don't have any other figure of authority (a DOF) who ultimately sanctions new signings. So, if the signings are good - he gets credit for that. In what exact form you want to give him credit may be debated - but he gets the credit one way or another.

But, yes, sample size. Another window with a couple of signings who - clearly - work out and improve the team (which Maguire, AWB and James all have), and there might be reason to seriously praise his astuteness in this regard. As others have pointed out, the flop-to-success ratio of Van Gaal and Mourinho was pretty awful.

 

[devilish]

So does Fergie get any credit for all those great teams he built? I guess not going by your logic. Some scout would have recommended these players. Either that or they were so well known any idiot could have signed them. No managerial judgement involved. That seems to be the gist of what you are saying. Which is mental.

Sir Alex took alot of risks, his teams also punched above their weight, he had an excellent grasp of how tactics work and he also won something called trophies.

 

[devilish]

The sample size is too small.

But the point is that Ole - as far as we know - is precisely a "British style" manager in the sense that United don't have any other figure of authority (a DOF) who ultimately sanctions new signings. So, if the signings are good - he gets credit for that. In what exact form you want to give him credit may be debated - but he gets the credit one way or another.

But, yes, sample size. Another window with a couple of signings who - clearly - work out and improve the team (which Maguire, AWB and James all have), and there might be reason to seriously praise his astuteness in this regard. As others have pointed out, the flop-to-success ratio of Van Gaal and Mourinho was pretty awful.

You prefer to give him credit for United scouts/people suggesting highly expensive safe bets from the local pool while rubber stamped such deals. I don't. Hopefully the club will keep helping him signing more safe bets. Maddison at 100m, jadon at 120m. Hey maybe Kane will be available at 200m. That's a great signing

 

[SteveW]

Sir Alex took alot of risks, his teams also punched above their weight, he had an excellent grasp of how tactics work and he also won something called trophies.

But he gets no credit for the signings?

 

[Chesterlestreet]

You prefer to give him credit for signing highly expensive safe bets from the local pool who had been previously scouted before.

He, no. It's not a preference.

Look, the point is a simple one: he gets the credit because he's the manager. With the current (too) small sample size, it could be coincidence: he's okayed obvious targets who were recommended by third parties, and okaying them may not reflect any astuteness on his part.

If he okays another set of signings, which turns out just as well (and if the current set keeps looking good, one might add), then it would be absurd not to give him proper credit.

The idea here is that United have started to target a certain player profile, yes? Not the ADM type - not the Sanchez type. Well, the signings so far under Ole do seem to jibe with that idea. And they have worked out well (so far). If it continues, it would be pretty much undeniable that this is something Ole should be given credit for - again, since we don't have a DOF or any other figure with authority who may be credited with overseeing the business (unless you think Woody has all of a sudden turned into a great recruiter of players in his own right).

 

[SteveW]

He, no. It's not a preference.

Look, the point is a simple one: he gets the credit because he's the manager. With the current (too) small sample size, it could be coincidence: he's okayed obvious targets who were recommended by third parties, and okaying them may not reflect any astuteness on his part.

If he okays another set of signings, which turns out just as well (and if the current set keeps looking good, one might add), then it would be absurd not to give him proper credit.

The idea here is that United have started to target a certain player profile, yes? Not the ADM type - not the Sanchez type. Well, the signings so far under Ole do seem to jibe with that idea. And they have worked out well (so far). If it continues, it would be pretty much undeniable that this is something Ole should be given credit for - again, since we don't have a DOF or any other figure with authority who may be credited with overseeing the business (unless you think Woody has all of a sudden turned into a great recruiter of players in his own right).

Don't let his nonsense affect your thinking. Daniel James for one was about as far from obvious as it gets.

 

[Chesterlestreet]

Don't let his nonsense affect your thinking. Daniel James for one was about as far from obvious as it gets.

He certainly doesn't fit the profile of anyone brought in by previous managers. That is, if you go back long enough there is one manager who might have gone for him. A somewhat competent manager, if memory serves.

 

[Fanatic 00237]

Well you need to be a top top manager to manage Manchester United especially in the state we are in. However let's tackle point by point shall we?

A- apart from AWB who is a 50m rated 'discovery' from an obscure league known as EPL, his signings were suggested by someone else. That's hardly an achievement

B- His deadwood include Smalling who is swiftly becoming one of the best CBs in the Serie A and Lukaku who can't stop scoring goals there. Sanchez is on loan and will come back. Meanwhile players like Shaw, Jones and Lingard are still here. Some were even given long term contracts during the time.

C- apart from Williams and maybe Greenwood very few kids have given enough time to impress. I doubt most have the talent to make it either

Managers should be judged on tactics, on their ability to keep the squad not injured and motivated + their ability to punch above their weight. I see nothing from the failed Cardiff manager who remotely suggest that he's more then Molde's level let alone Man United

Each to their own but I really don’t think you need to be a top top manager to manage United. The right fit will get us the job done. Everyone starts somewhere and going back to the examples of Pep and Zidane, they were more than impressive in their first jobs without being considered top top managers when they were offered the job. You can say the context was different but we have tried the top top route and failed, some of us are happy enough with us trying something else now. Who knows, he might not become a top top manager with United... or he might.

A- I responded to you bringing up the fact that his signings were suggested by someone else being a justification of his managerial abilities. He works with the players and definitely decides whom he wants to work with and whom he doesn’t want anymore. We don’t know the dozens of other players he might have been proposed but didn’t like. Managers aren’t scouts, they are given suggestions and they have a look and decide for themselves.

B- Why did you pick only those who have been relatively successful since they left? The fact is they didn’t fit here anymore so they had to go. That’s a sign he knows what he wants and knows what he’s doing, contrary to your earlier insinuation. I’m not saying it makes him a great manager, simply saying he has a plan, whether you appreciate it or not, whether it works or not, is another matter.

C- We’re still in November, at no club of United’s stature, given the pressure to finish in European qualifying positions, would kids be thrown in without caution. Personally I think he’s introducing the kids progressively and nicely to senior football. Chong was tried and when he showed to still be a bit raw and he was sent back to the U23’s. The best way to burn our young talent is to kill their confidence by forcing them to play above their level for extended periods.

Managers should also be judged based on the context. I won’t expect Pep, Klopp or Mourinho to win the league or finish on the top 4 with Norwich this season, for example. Again, it’s OK that you don’t see anything from Ole which suggests he will make it here but many of us do see positive signs. He might not win the league but I’m sure we will be in a better position when he leaves than before he was appointed.

I hear your reasons but I don’t agree with them. I don’t expect you to agree with mine either but we can have a civil discussion. Let’s agree to disagree is all I’m asking.

 

[momo83]

And just before he took over, everyone was saying we should sell half the team. Just goes to show fans are kneejerk and clueless.

We had just finished 2nd. So I think with Jose it was more rational. People realised that he just wasn’t the type to get the best out of Martial, Rashford etc. We know our squad needed more out goings then in comings

 

[momo83]

Not great examples, seeing as neither as these two have done anything special.

Yes, Chelsea are playing good football under Lampard, but playing good football doesn't always equate to winning trophies. Just look at Pochettino.

On the other hand, Pep and Klopp were given time to build their team, and it is now showing.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not putting Ole up there with Pep and Klopp, but we've had no success recently in having managers for two seasons and sacking them. We may as well give Ole time. As I said, the signings thus far have been promising. He now needs better players in midfield and in attack and then I feel we can start to judge him fairly.

Signings signings signings signings signings is that all football management is about?

Don’t change history. We’ve won the Europa Cup, FA Cup, and League Cup.

 

[Darlington Padgett]

Let’s give him more time...Let’s see how it goes until the end of the season.Remember,we can still win the Europa League this season...I don’t think we can finish 4th,but if we win the EL and keep playing good football until the end of the season,then Ole deserves to get another season.If our performances are erratic and if we fail to qualify for the CL,then we can make a change...

I've seen United play like the worse team in the league the last couple of months....

 

[Walters_19_MuFc]

Signings signings signings signings signings is that all football management is about?

Don’t change history. We’ve won the Europa Cup, FA Cup, and League Cup.

Its not what its all about, no, but if you have a vision on how you want to play, then unless the players are good enough to adhere to that, then unfortunately you can't do that. Some would argue that a manager needs to play to the current strengths of the squad, but I guess from Ole's point of view, he's trying to build and stick to a certain philosophy.

What history am I changing?

 

[Chesterlestreet]

Some would argue that a manager needs to play to the current strengths of the squad...

Aye. I would myself. Has Ole done that so far? Jury's out.

He hasn't had a full strength XI available for most of the season, that's an objective fact. Is the lack of squad depth his fault? We don't know. The glass-half-full take on that is that Woodward and Ole are on the same page: this is a transition phase. We didn't go into the season with a squad anyone at the club deemed good enough to challenge (obviously) and not even good enough to finish in the top four. We shipped out players without replacing them man-for-man willingly and knowingly - the short-term impact was expected and accounted for.

Do we believe this? I don't know myself. I hope so. But it seems very evident that Ole can't go on drastically under-performing with what most would consider the best XI (or close) at his disposition. Some kind of proof will be in that pudding.

 

[Fanatic 00237]

I've seen United play like the worse team in the league the last couple of months....

Even if you could be justified in making this affirmation at some points since SAF retired, you picked quite the wrong period there, Sir. Have you actually watched any other games in the League apart from United’s?