Ole's Press Conference | 05:30 BST

[DoomSlayer]

Jeez you lot are fecking dour.

At least he is injecting some positivity about the place, the man is an absolute legend and has spent 11 years of his life at the club - learning from the best.

Why are so many writing him off already? Is nobody else feeling the magic.

So many pathetic twitter-like posts in here. I'm fuming just by reading through them...

 

[Tel074]

Herrera left in the summer not in january and why would any team buy a player or players for a caretaker?

Clubs buy players when they do not have a manager it's about having a plan and a philosophy in place . This is part of the club's problems we have had 3 managers with total different styles of play . If we started buying players to suit the club instead of individual managers we wouldn't have half the mess we do

 

[Enigma_87]

Because he literally said "shouting" and "losing your cool"

Where did he say literally that in the interview?

 

[NecssryEvil]

Trying to make the most divisive comment as quickly as possible on EVERY thread appears to be the new sport of choice for a lot of Cafe members. Ole is spot on with his assessment of the fan base.

 

[Jazz]

I'm puzzled by some of the comments here. What exactly is it you want from Ole to show he's not a 'yes' man? You want him to rant and rave? To demand the Glazers spend money? I doubt very much they're holding out on him. It's a different story that we need more organisation on the football side, but how does it help anyone for him to start making waves in the first pre season press conference?

We need calm at this moment, not more drama.

I will say I think the club should consider a way of communicating with the fans so as to head off the constant crap the press writes. Then again, they'd probably get abuse...

 

[ClaytonBlackmoorLeftPeg]

Towards the end of Cantona's last year with us, its rumoured that Sir Alex approached the guy to tell him that he wouldn't be a first teamer anymore. SAF made it clear that Cantona was still a valued player who would probably play in numerous games but the time when he could play week in week out was over. Cantona took the message and rather then fade slowly while cashing his last pay cheques he decided to call quits.

We had many legends since then and unfortunately very few copied the man. Most took an extra year of salary out of the club which they morally deserved but football wise they didn't. Gaz for example traded his dignity for that cheque and his career ended in a humiliating game something he regretted ever since. Don't take me wrong I'm not criticising United players about that. Most players did the same thing, some having way more humiliating ends to their career then Gaz did. I still remember Baresi's last game against a young Christian Vieri. It was like seeing current Paddy Crerand trying to stop Daniel James from beating him with pace.

Now assuming we've got an underwhelming transfer window then Ole will be in that same spot. He might soldier on, knowing he'll probably fail and be blamed by the club of every ills (as they successfully did with Moyes, LVG and Mou). That would be the end of his career at United. Else he can just resign and let those who messed it up face the very music they were responsible for. The latter decision would rally all fans against the very people whose bleeding the club dry. I myself who didn't want Ole as manager would be behind the guy

Of course if he thinks he can still edge it despite having to rely on pound shop signings then by all means he should stick to the job. However he will have himself to blame.

This is one of your worst posts, and that’s really saying something!

 

[Jazz]

Trying to make the most divisive comment as quickly as possible on EVERY thread appears to be the new sport of choice for a lot of Cafe members. Ole is spot on with his assessment of the fan base.

How anyone thinks he's attacking the majority of the fanbase I don't know.

Perhaps he could have made himself a bit more clear so as not to be misunderstood? I dunno. However, he is for sure not having a go.

 

[Enigma_87]

And what happens after December then? You ever think about times further than the next 6 months? What do you propose should happen when Ole hypothetically gets sacked? And what happens when eventually the next manager gets sacked as well in the space of one, one and a half years?

Maybe Ed would get the memo not to appoint prematurely rookies at the job?

What do you suggest when/if this experiment doesn't work out? Should Moyes have finished his 6 year contract?

 

[ravi2]

Happy with the squad™

 

[bosnian_red]

Where did he say literally that in the interview?

Not Ole, the guy I was responding to?

 

[Lee565]

But he can't do anything in public or he risks to create a total shitstorm at the club and among the whole squad. People say we will have a very bad season, if Ole goes public on everything, we will totally capitulate and the team might seriously finish in the bottom half of the table.

This is exactly what was happening under Mourinho last season, until he was fired. If he stayed until the end, I bet we would have finished below 10th place.

He doesn't have to go full Mourinho and start throwing players under the bus and downing tools but he could say the squad needs strengthening and the board need to show more ambition, he needs to throw shade on the likes of the Glazers and Woodward because they will not be so kind to him when they realize they need a new short term fix to fool the fans into not kicking up a fuss at them directly.

 

[Enigma_87]

Not Ole, the guy I was responding to?

Ah, ok, sorry then, I thought you meant Ole.

 

[Jazz]

He doesn't have to go full Mourinho and start throwing players under the bus and downing tools but he could say the squad needs strengthening and the board need to show more ambition, he needs to throw shade on the likes of the Glazers and Woodward because they will not be so kind to him when they realize they need a new short term fix to fool the fans into not kicking up a fuss at them directly.

Do you do that when you're pissed off with your employer? If he did the above he's less likely to get any support.

Let him do his talking behind the scenes. He can be straight with them, without throwing shade. There's enough wrong that he can point to.

 

[Lee565]

Do you do that when you're pissed off with your employer? If he did the above he's less likely to get any support.

Let him do his talking behind the scenes. He can be straight with them, without throwing shade. There's enough wrong that he can point to.

It's not like he's getting any great support with transfers being their puppet is it

 

[DoomSlayer]

Maybe Ed would get the memo not to appoint prematurely rookies at the job?

What do you suggest when/if this experiment doesn't work out? Should Moyes have finished his 6 year contract?

I suggest you go after the real problem, which is the owners and the board of directors. Ole has nothing to do with that and you presumptions about his managerial skills are embarrassing.

He doesn't have to go full Mourinho and start throwing players under the bus and downing tools but he could say the squad needs strengthening and the board need to show more ambition, he needs to throw shade on the likes of the Glazers and Woodward because they will not be so kind to him when they realize they need a new short term fix to fool the fans into not kicking up a fuss at them directly.

No manager can go against the owners in public if he wants to keep his job. Mourinho through a massive hissy fit and was sacked. Why did the fans not do anything after it happened? Where are the real protests against the Glazers and the board? Our fanbase is acting like an embarrassing bunch of over-entitled spoiled brats. Either do something about it or back our fecking manager.

It's not like he's getting any great support with transfers being their puppet is it

And what are you doing about the owners then?

 

[Jazz]

It's not like he's getting any great support with transfers being their puppet is it

How do you know that? The window isn't closed yet. None of us knows what's going on.

 

[Enigma_87]

I suggest you go after the real problem, which is the owners and the board of directors. Ole has nothing to do with that and you presumptions about his managerial skills are embarrassing.

He's a yes man that would do whatever comes from the top. You can't go after the real problem yet completely absolve Ole as part of the equation.

You want to have a go at the owners yet you have Ole coming out today saying those being vocal are worse fans. He's being employed by those owners and board of directors and will side with them rather than those who want a change, you do understand that?

People need to realize that Fergie didn't only leave a huge gap on the bench. All footballing decisions went through him. It's not like he had Abramovic type of owner that will buy players against his wishes.

United is hugely dependent on their managerial figure - much more than other clubs. You can't fill the void with the likes of Moyes and Ole as it's not just tactical issue or result issue, our manager would have much bigger job at his hands.

 

[AJ10]

Clubs buy players when they do not have a manager it's about having a plan and a philosophy in place . This is part of the club's problems we have had 3 managers with total different styles of play . If we started buying players to suit the club instead of individual managers we wouldn't have half the mess we do

Of course that would be ideal but we do not have the structure in place to do that atm. Woody has no clue on how United should play (despite how we've played for many years with fergie ) and thats why we've had LVG then Jose, just big names.

 

[Lee565]

I suggest you go after the real problem, which is the owners and the board of directors. Ole has nothing to do with that and you presumptions about his managerial skills are embarrassing.

No manager can go against the owners in public if he wants to keep his job. Mourinho through a massive hissy fit and was sacked. Why did the fans not do anything after it happened? Where are the real protests against the Glazers and the board? Our fanbase is acting like an embarrassing bunch of over-entitled spoiled brats. Either do something about it or back our fecking manager.

And what are you doing about the owners then?

Dont be so stupid, what can one fan do about billionaire owners, its going to take United fans to unite against them and protest against them various if ways but at the moment most are continuing to act like sheep.

Mourinho wasnt sacked for going against the board, he was sacked for losing the dressing room and downing tools, I'm not asking Solskjear to do that, he should make it known that the board are showing a lack of ambition and if they sacked him whilst doing moderately ok at the club it will look terrible on the board and they dare not do that as it would not fall into their plan of constantly deflecting the short comings of this club on them, they ain't stupid they know that when they hired Ole that it would shut the majority of fans up once again short term.

 

[devilish]

This is one of your worst posts, and that’s really saying something!

Why? If the employee isn't given the tools to do his job properly then him resigning is properly a perfectly plausible and honourable way out. Under such circumstances I'd rather leave with my reputation intact then be blamed and then sacked for not doing my job

 

[Lee565]

How do you know that? The window isn't closed yet. None of us knows what's going on.

We'll see wont we but the writing is on the wall, the only way I see any half decent signing coming in at this point is if either Lukaku or Pogba are sold when but even then I doubt they will be any where near upgrades on these two which is a joke because even with these two remaining we need major upgrades still.

 

[AJ10]

How do you know that? The window isn't closed yet. None of us knows what's going on.

Making stuff up then arguing about it, is peak caf.

 

[DoomSlayer]

He's a yes man that would do whatever comes from the top. You can't go after the real problem yet completely absolve Ole as part of the equation.

You want to have a go at the owners yet you have Ole coming out today saying those being vocal are worse fans. He's being employed by those owners and board of directors and will side with them rather than those who want a change, you do understand that?

People need to realize that Fergie didn't only leave a huge gap on the bench. All footballing decisions went through him. It's not like he had Abramovic type of owner that will buy players against his wishes.

United is hugely dependent on their managerial figure - much more than other clubs. You can't fill the void with the likes of Moyes and Ole as it's not just tactical issue or result issue, our manager would have much bigger job at his hands.

You either purposefully twist my words or you have no idea what you are talking about. And it's Sir Alex Ferguson for you, have some fecking respect for the great man. If you think there is any manager in the world like him, you are totally delusional.

Dont be so stupid, what can one fan do about billionaire owners, its going to take United fans to unite against them and protest against them various if ways but at the moment most are continuing to act like sheep.

Mourinho wasnt sacked for going against the board, he was sacked for losing the dressing room and downing tools, I'm not asking Solskjear to do that, he should make it known that the board are showing a lack of ambition and if they sacked him whilst doing moderately ok at the club it will look terrible on the board and they dare not do that as it would not fall into their plan of constantly deflecting the short comings of this club on them, they ain't stupid they know that when they hired Ole that it would shut the majority of fans up once again short term.

I'm sure that Ole will not stand for us not buying anyone else until the rest of the transfer window. But he still can't do much more, he isn't Sir Alex and he has been here only about 6-7 months.

Saying anything controversial at this point jeopardizes our whole pre-season and risks turning a lot of the squad against him. Solskjaer must work with what is available if he stands a chance to try and change the mentality and the system used on the pitch. The rest is up to the fans to put pressure on the owners and if they are gullible enough to blame everything on OGS, then we deserve a fate of total failure in the future.

 

[0161_UNITED]

Towards the end of Cantona's last year with us, its rumoured that Sir Alex approached the guy to tell him that he wouldn't be a first teamer anymore. SAF made it clear that Cantona was still a valued player who would probably play in numerous games but the time when he could play week in week out was over. Cantona took the message and rather then fade slowly while cashing his last pay cheques he decided to call quits.

We had many legends since then and unfortunately very few copied the man. Most took an extra year of salary out of the club which they morally deserved but football wise they didn't. Gaz for example traded his dignity for that cheque and his career ended in a humiliating game something he regretted ever since. Don't take me wrong I'm not criticising United players about that. Most players did the same thing, some having way more humiliating ends to their career then Gaz did. I still remember Baresi's last game against a young Christian Vieri. It was like seeing current Paddy Crerand trying to stop Daniel James from beating him with pace.

Now assuming we've got an underwhelming transfer window then Ole will be in that same spot. He might soldier on, knowing he'll probably fail and be blamed by the club of every ills (as they successfully did with Moyes, LVG and Mou). That would be the end of his career at United. Else he can just resign and let those who messed it up face the very music they were responsible for. The latter decision would rally all fans against the very people whose bleeding the club dry. I myself who didn't want Ole as manager would be behind the guy

Of course if he thinks he can still edge it despite having to rely on pound shop signings then by all means he should stick to the job. However he will have himself to blame.

WTF, mate.

 

[Enigma_87]

You either purposefully twist my words or you have no idea what you are talking about. And it's Sir Alex Ferguson for you, have some fecking respect for the great man. If you think there is any manager in the world like him, you are totally delusional.

I think you completely missed my point and considering your attitude it's futile to continue this argument. Believe what you want mate.

 

[DoomSlayer]

I think you completely missed my point and considering your attitude it's futile to continue this argument. Believe what you want mate.

My attitude is corresponding to the absolute shite thrown around in this thread about Solskjaer. I find it deserving to use the same energy against it as it is only fair like that. Whoever comes in if Ole is sacked will fail just as miserably as every manager after Sir Alex left, in the current state the club is in.

 

[Lee565]

You either purposefully twist my words or you have no idea what you are talking about. And it's Sir Alex Ferguson for you, have some fecking respect for the great man. If you think there is any manager in the world like him, you are totally delusional.

I'm sure that Ole will not stand for us not buying anyone else until the rest of the transfer window. But he still can't do much more, he isn't Sir Alex and he has been here only about 6-7 months.

Saying anything controversial at this point jeopardizes our whole pre-season and risks turning a lot of the squad against him. Solskjaer must work with what is available if he stands a chance to try and change the mentality and the system used on the pitch. The rest is up to the fans to put pressure on the owners and if they are gullible enough to blame everything on OGS, then we deserve a fate of total failure in the future.

I feel he can still highlight the lack of backing from the club without it meaning the squad turning against him, he doesn't have to go to Mourinho extreme's of belittling his own to highlight the need for strengthening, do you not think that even the ambitious players in our current side want to see more ambition shown in strengthening the squad, the only players that would be happy with the club showing a lack of ambition are the deadwood on undeserved higher wages than far better players at other clubs.

 

[roseguy64]

Go back to the Everton post match presser, non of Rojo, Darmian nor Baily played that the match.

Doesn't matter. I'm judging who he trusted over the majority of the games not a comment after one match.

 

[roseguy64]

This is Ole's second bad transfer window as the club had failed to support him in January. Fellaini was sold and he wasn't replaced. One can say that its the third consecutive bad transfer window United had as Mou was poorly supported last summer as well. The past 3 managers had complained about the poor support they got from the club.

That wouldn't be a problem if Ole was a mercenary heading towards the end of his career. He'll take the fall alongside a big fat last pay cheque. However Ole is different. He's young and on top of that he's a United legend. Is it worth risking tarnishing his legacy for a pack of incompetent businessmen whose bleeding the club dry? I very much doubt it.

Solskjaer was caretaker manager then. The club didn't trust him yet to have input on transfers so you would only use that window to judge him if you wanted to manipulate an agenda.

 

[Enigma_87]

My attitude is corresponding to the absolute shite thrown around in this thread about Solskjaer. I find it deserving to use the same energy against it as it is only fair like that. Whoever comes in if Ole is sacked will fail just as miserably as every manager after Sir Alex left, in the current state the club is in.

Throwing your toys out of the pram won't help your case.

You do realize Ole will throw your idea under the bus without second thoughts and side the owners as he wants to stay in the job? It's a common sense really.

Ole is part of the current structure and was installed there by Woodward. I doubt any other DoF would have considered Ole having in mind the state we were in. You need to pick your battles mate.

Those vocal fans that aren't happy with how the club is run got called out by the same Ole you are now defending.

 

[DoomSlayer]

I feel he can still highlight the lack of backing from the club without it meaning the squad turning against him, he doesn't have to go to Mourinho extreme's of belittling his own to highlight the need for strengthening, do you not think that even the ambitious players in our current side want to see more ambition shown in strengthening the squad, the only players that would be happy with the club showing a lack of ambition are the deadwood on undeserved higher wages than far better players at other clubs.

Yeah, well the problem is there is not of deadwood and Ole said we have received no bids at all, for any player - be that Pogba, Lukaku or Darmian, Rojo, Jones etc.

What if he says all that and we still don't get rid of the useless players whilst buying only 1 or 2 more additions to the team? Those underperformes will just not be motivated enough to even fight for Ole when they have to play (because no matter what, there will be times where the deadwood will need to play due to injuries, suspensions or squad rotations).

It's a very tough job that Solskjaer has in front of him and instead of blaming him and abusing him, the fans need to back him and pressure the board and owners more, which will also give him more leverage to demand an improvement of how United operates as a football club. We need to be realistic to achieve anything effective and prosperous for the long-term. Otherwise the cycle of perpetual failure will never end and we officially become the new Liverpool.

Throwing your toys out of the pram won't help your case.

You do realize Ole will throw your idea under the bus without second thoughts and side the owners as he wants to stay in the job? It's a common sense really.

Ole is part of the current structure and was installed there by Woodward. I doubt any other DoF would have considered Ole having in mind the state we were in. You need to pick your battles mate.

Those vocal fans that aren't happy with how the club is run got called out by the same Ole you are now defending.

Just like how you are throwing your toys out of the pram over absolutely feck all? Like I though, you have no idea what you are talking about. Absolutely embarrassing posts in this thread, a shame on United's legacy.

 

[0161_UNITED]

Wait, what? The press conference this morning was controversial? I woke up early and decided to watch it and thought Ole generally handled it well, left the door wide open to sell Lukaku, Pogba, Matic, Rojo, Darmian or any other player in the squad, while we’re also remaining active in the market to get some reinforcements in as long as we don’t get mugged. Apparently that makes him a “Yes Man” or a puppet?

It was a refreshing change to the depths the Portuguese sad sack arse candle made last pre-season saying American supporters shouldn’t had even bothered buying tickets.

If you want to have a critique of Woodward, it’s that he didn’t fire Mourinho on the spot there and then. Telling supporters who spent hard earned money to travel to the US to see that tour, as well as Americans who also spent hard earned money to take their kids see the team in pre-season was a waste. That was a disgraceful performance worth getting wound up over. I’d have sacked him on the spot.

 

[7even]

Oh boy this comment is a treasurethrove of stuff, so I'll dig right into it. Please don't take this comment as an attack on you, but I picked this comment because it also reflects a lot of the posters in this thread, so my comment is to everyone who are hatin' on my beloved OGS and the Manchester United team. If anyone takes offense, then you're probably one of the people who complain aloud.

1) Have you seen the presser on YT? If so look at his eyes and then tell me that’s a positive attitude. Then listen to his voice. It’s anxious and defensive. Please check again and then tell me I’m wrong. - You are superwrong. This isn't defensive and anxious, this is someone who is answering a question and choosing his words carefully. Ole's job is not to be negative and critical of his team, his entire job is to make them work as a cohesive unit and perform. Part of that is building them up, by showing them publicly that he has their backs. Jose Mourinho spent a good part of his last season talkign smack about everyone from Woodward to Luke Shaw, the only result he got from that was stressed out players, stressed out fans, stressed out guards at Old Trafford who were praying every game that a violent revolution wouldn't break out. Ole is the clubs face outwards, you better believe that he will speak positive about a turd on his shoe if he has to.

2) In his first answer about our players he starts to answer a question about Pogba, bla bla “heart of gold”and “top bloke” and so on and then he smoothly criticize the media for reporting it negative and when the second question comes he then says he don’t want to talk about it. Is that your definition of a good answer and a positive attitude? - I think you, and a lot of people who look at this choice of words as a weak chinned manager who lack the balls to be the manager for the club in your hearts, need to stop going down that road you are currently on and look at this from Ole's angle. He's praising Pogba, now why would he do that? Why on earth would the manager spend time publicly praising the ethic, work morale and attitude of a player who has been so vocal about wanting to leave the club?

Thing is that Paul Pogba, wether you like it or not, has always been in Ole's eyes the gearstick in the Man United engine. Without Paul Pogba there is a huge issue with the way he foresaw himself building the new Manchester United. Let's be honest, Paul Pogba is our best player on the pitch 8 days out of 10. If he goes we have a problem that needs adressing to the tune of infinity money and preferably yesterday. There's been multiple reports about both Lukaku and Pogba having meetings with Ole after they returned from holidays. Lukaku wants to leave the club since he's not happy with his current standing with the club. That is fine and understandable, Lukaku does not want to be 2nd violin, in Man United he is 2nd or even third violin. Pogba however is the midfield Maestro. We want him to stay. Pogba has been reported to complain about hate from fans as one reason for wanting to leave the club. The treatment he got when the season ended in Old Trafford undoubtedly didn't inspire love with the Old Trafford faithful. Quite frankly, adults should behave better.

See the choice of words on this press conference is not so much to placate journalists who are mean to his player. It is to show his player that this manager thinks so highly of him he is willing to sit there and take all the critical questions from journalists about his own player, and even offer a dig at some of the fans who just can't stop being absolute assh*les every time their expectations aren't met. Pogba does not feel loved in Man United, Ole is trying his very hardest to change that. And his strongest weapon is to have his back in public. At worst the player will be happy about support from his boss, but he still wants to leave for sporting or other reasons. At best, he find renewed motivation to stay and lead the rebuild project on the pitch, and quite frankly we should all want and support a Pogba that wants to be here. And if any of you have ever pulled a fortnite dance, you ever again allowed to complain that Pogba likes to dance.

And you know what, why are people so offended that the manager criticizes the loudest fans? Do you think you can just yell at his players but you can't get a talking to back about civility? What is this, one-way kindergarten?

3) Third question is about when he said being “ruthless”. Sorry. Lost for words. - Ole has a very limited number of options to be 'ruthless' with his squad anyway. He can A) Sell players (*With the approval of the board) B) Bench players C) Tell players they're no longer part of his plan, and get their agents working or D) Give them a chance to prove to him that they belong on this team, while exploring A and C. And when the season starts, we need options at B anyway. The only manger we have had with the clout to sell whoever he wants on the day is Alex Ferguson. He's as close to a club god that you will ever come across. Everyone since and after has to adhere to the Glazer overlords because ultimately they have the final say in who goes or stays. You also need to consider the fact that Manchester United is a tradeable company. As such it has a responsibility to its shareholders, and one of those is that they cannot sells financial assets (players) at cost just to get rid of them. This is not how the real world works and I'm sure everyone realises that when they think things over for a second. The second thing people need to consider is who are we selling and who will buy?

We are not selling talent. This club is harvesting talent. None or very very few of our young developing players are for sale, period. This is not a club that sells young players for a solid profit like most other clubs in Europe, so there is a huge part of our asset pool already eleminated. That leaves the first team. The first team has a few sellable assets that might return some value as they are considered not-part of the managers plans. Not being a part of the managers plans however does not mean that you can just leave the player on a streetcorner and some kind soul will come pick him up and place him at a nice new home. Even £10m is big money, and transfers very often take time, since every club will try to negotiate a better price than what the club is offering. Darmian is still here because the club has not received a bid for the asking price. We don't have to sell to anyone for less than asking price, and are quite frankly very unlikely to since we don't have to. In worst case these players warm the bench and see pitch time maybe a few games on the season as emergency backups. Rojo is one such player, he has a £25m price tag. Thats what the club has decided he's worth in the current market, so we are not going to sell him for £10m just to get rid of him. The club is obviously not in the business of habitually losing money

The transfer window is long in Europe. We are in no hurry to sell players who are deadwood. Their salaries are not a huge problem and we're not selling players at cost. So they are here until a wanting club actuallys coughs up the players value. If they are here in August, no problem, they're not playing first XI anyway. Other players like Ashley Young and Phil Jones will become rotational squad players this season. Lindelöf and hopefully Maguire will solidify our new centerback pair, with Shaw and Wan-Bissaka forming the rest of our defense. I am not happy about the new contracts given to people like Phil Jones, but again we are not giving away players on a free transfer, signing them meant keeping squad players while we wait for new signings that will make them even more expendable. And again, salaries are not an issue. Alexis Sanchez wil still be a Man United player when the season begins since he's gotten injured in the Copa America and won't be play ready until the season starts and some time after.

So yeah, the manager can be ruthless, in terms of who he does not choose to play, everything else is ultimately decided by Team Glazer. It was reported that Ole is fed up with Martials work ethic and wanted him sold, but Glazers blocked the request since he's apparently New Pele.

Everyone else will be given a fair chance to prove that last years mistakes are water under the bridge, and Bailly will be give a chance to not get a red card ever time he touches the ball. And quite frankly no one should have a problem with that. Be mad if they're the worst players ever and still play the season opener.

My point here is that you can't think of running a club like running A's and B's, there's so many things inbetween to consider. But ultimately, be patient, things are still happening.

4) Journalists are not stupid. They will eat him alive if this continue. - Wether or not you like someone who is a positive person (and many here clearly don't), the way Ole has handled the press so far has been a right masterclass in how to keep the wolves at the door. He takes all blame on himself, never places blame on one individual and does everything he can in public to give the image that everyone are behind the team going forward. What Ole has done so far is actually be respectful of journalists and take time to answer their questions as truthfully as he desires, without being disrespectful if he does not like the question. And quite frankly, Ole is not stupid either.

Here is Ole giving journalist Jamie Jackson a pair of sunglasses during a press conference back in February: https://www.manutd.com/en/videos/de...-presents-journalist-with-maui-jim-sunglasses

He knows his audience, and unlike previous managers the people asking the questions in the pressers seem to be respectful in how the approach the manager. The only reason the journalists will have to be asking critical questions if if the players give them a reason to, so let's hope they perform this time around.


5) Then the worst part. He can’t criticize his own fans! - Can't he? If the criticism was welll founded, and delivered in a respectful manner then the last thing the manager would do is even mention it. But when fans are acting like petulent manchildren who do not get their will every single time they go out the door, then yes, he is goddamn right to give a pointing finger to the "loudest fans". The loudests fans in this context are people who can't be critical without telling Lingard what a waste of space he is, how Paul Pogba is the scum of the eart, how De Gea is a greedy bottomfeer and so on. I've seen people comment these things, and what in gods name should the players and the manager remotely respect about people like that? You don't get to have a free pass to say whatever you want without being made to answer for your choice of words if they so choose to confront you. Be respectful? Cool, absolutely 0 problem. Be a hideous ogre that write crap you'd never want your children to hear? Yeah, you don't deserve the respect of the manager or the players. Just because you and I or anyone else buys tickets and goes to the game doesn't give anyone the right to be complete and absolute assh*les to people. If anyone feels that way, then sorry but we're just not going to agree on anything. I was plenty frustrated during last season but at least I don't go on instagram and tell Paul Pogba his mother suck d*ck for a living like some do. There's a very very big difference, and the comment Ole made was obviously towards people who just can't behave themselves. Be respectful and you will be respected back.


6) Sorry to be negative but... - Yeah no problem, the easiest thing to do in the world is to be negative. It doesn't require any kind of backbone, positive attitude or will be part of a solution. Complaining is easy, especially when you're in a environment where people feed of eachothers negativity. If someone replies to a negative post and agrees with all the complaining its just the best feeling of validation in the world. "Yes I get it, everyone sucks and its so easy to just go on and on and on and on about how everyone just god damn sucks". And best of all, it requires absolutely no effort at all. Its so simple. Just. Complain. Hard.

I'll give you a few quick things to be optimistic about in no particular ranked order:

A) David De Gea being ready to sign a new contract. DDG was reported to want an exit. He's now on the brink of commiting to the club and Ole's project.
B) Marcus Rashford signed on a new long term deal
C) Mason Greenwood emerging. He was fantastic against Cardiff, will he continue to improve? He's a young man with everything to prove, and the manager already is backing him to play more this season.
D) Aaron Wan-Bissaka - The best defensive fullback in England. It was a big problem last season, we now have it locked down for a decade.
E) Juan Mata resigned. Mata is a fantastic squad player and has an excellent free kick shot. On top of that he's everything a Manchester United player embodies in terms of attitude and professionalism. He's going to be someone who players like Greenwood and Daniel James will take ques from.
F) Daniel James - The mystery box of the year. Will he be good? Will he be not good? We'll find out.
G) Harry Maguire and Bruno Fernandes. Both players are very likely to join Manchester United shortly on new transfers.
H) If/When the club lands all heavily linked players (And Maguire who we have officially bid for) - The total spend will near £200m. That is the biggest transfer window in the clubs history. Anyone who says that the team is not backing the manager in the transfer window can eat a bucket.
I) The U23's have signed some very very exciting prospects this offseason.
J) Victor Lindelöf made significant improvements last season and became the player we thought we bougth. He's looking more and more like a leader and might emerge as a potential new captain this season.
K) Altho Alexis Sanchez got injured in the Copa America, he scored twice and looked very very good. This is obviously a longshot but I have a feeling he might prove to be more useful this season than the last. We are going to be stuck with him for another transfer window anyway now, so might as well hope for the best.


Just to summarize this: Things are looking fantastic and I'm looking forward to the pre-season tour games starting.

Thanks for taking your time to replay Tom!

We probably see a lot of things differently but with love comes passion, and that’s a good thing.

I want to address why I feel it’s necessary to criticize his press conference and my take on this matter. You’re right regarding it’s easy to moan and complain and sometimes it’s better to take a positive approach and enjoy the ride instead of being miserable. It’s a fair criticism.

Another thing that is interesting is that so many posters believe that if we complain we’re not genuine supporters and we only likes to moan. (or whatever they think the reason is)

This is my take. When I listen to his presser he contradicts himself a couple of times. That’s a rookie mistake but nothing serious. He also complain about a (small) part of the fan base who he thinks overshadow the majority of the supporters. (Is that a correct description of what he said?)

In my book that’s a no go. A manager should never criticize his supporters if they are disappointed with the results, what he says or how the club is handle their business. The best thing is to not comment. The second best thing is to address that he heard the complaints, he see things differently, but he still appreciate that the supporters voice their opinions. That’s to handle criticism in a professional manner and that is what he should have done.

My other criticism of him is that he don’t create his on narrative. Turn critical questions into a (long) rant about how he as a manager and his squad needs to improve and get better. Now he just mention it as a side note without any visible passion. In my book that should be his main talking point and it should show his leadership.

Regarding Pogba, agents and fights. When he gets questioned about Pogba and later on his recent comments about ruthlessness he should say that he stand by his players and that being ruthless is still on the table. Don’t mention players names, agents or what’s all about, ignore that, just move on and talk about the future. He can express how he has change the training methods or whatever, but learn how to avoid dropping names. If the journalist continue give them the black eye. Shake his head or just smile. Just don’t fall into the trap and give answers about internal controversy.

His comments about transfers was ok but we all know that is Woodward who wanted this info to be public. I wouldn’t mind him being a little bit more “vocal” about improving the squad but that’s semantic atm.

I’m sorry Tom I don’t share your optimism, maybe I’m cynical and too negative but I can’t see the same thing as you. For all of us let’s hope you’re right and I’m wrong.

 

[Tel074]

Of course that would be ideal but we do not have the structure in place to do that atm. Woody has no clue on how United should play (despite how we've played for many years with fergie ) and thats why we've had LVG then Jose, just big names.

I agree and it's a disgrace we don't . We are a million miles away from City and Pool and if he keep messing around in this window we can add Spurs to that list

 

[Enigma_87]

Just like how you are throwing your toys out of the pram over absolutely feck all? Like I though, you have no idea what you are talking about.

I'm calm as you can get?

How do you support the current manager, yet show discontent against the owners at the same time considering both are on the same side?

Ole said he is happy with the team, said he's happy with the pre season so far so presumably he's happy with what he has at his disposal and has the full support of Woodward who also came a month or so ago and said he will back him up.The only thing he said he's unhappy with was vocal fans.

Since you support Ole, why are you against how the club is run since he's perfectly happy with how things are going and Woodward and co are giving him all he needs to be successful here, by his own account?

 

[Shaidabdullah Hussain]

Corrrr it’s kicking off in here

 

[DoomSlayer]

I'm calm as you can get?

How do you support the current manager, yet show discontent against the owners at the same time considering both are on the same side?

Ole said he is happy with the team, said he's happy with the pre season so far so presumably he's happy with what he has at his disposal and has the full support of Woodward who also came a month or so ago and said he will back him up.The only thing he said he's unhappy with was vocal fans.

Since you support Ole, why are you against how the club is run since he's perfectly happy with how things are going and Woodward and co are giving him all he needs to be successful here, by his own account?

Mate, I told you that your posts are totally delusional and you live in your own world with twisted agendas. I thought you weren't going to continue with this debate, not rattled at all eh?

 

[Enigma_87]

Mate, I told you that your posts are totally delusional and you live in your own world with twisted agendas. I thought you weren't going to continue with this debate, not rattled at all eh?

I thought you wanted to elaborate on your point but seems you just want to vent it out. Carry on

 

[DoomSlayer]

I thought you wanted to elaborate on your point but seems you just want to vent it out. Carry on

Just following the trend set by most posts in this thread.

 

[Enigma_87]

This is my take. When I listen to his presser he contradicts himself a couple of times. That’s a rookie mistake but nothing serious. He also complain about a (small) part of the fan base who he thinks overshadow the majority of the supporters. (Is that a correct description of what he said?)

In my book that’s a no go. A manager should never criticize his supporters if they are disappointed with the results, what he says or how the club is handle their business. The best thing is to not comment. The second best thing is to address that he heard the complaints, he see things differently, but he still appreciate that the supporters voice their opinions. That’s to handle criticism in a professional manner and that is what he should have done.

Yup this is spot on and why there are negative comments in the thread.

He handled the Pogba and transfer questions well.