5 point plan for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to land the Manchester United job

#2 – Don’t be Jose Mourinho

Jose Mourinho became a source of negativity around Old Trafford before his departure

Probably the easiest point in the five-point plan, Solskjaer must ensure that he is the opposite to his predecessor in every aspect of his professional life.

Mourinho cut a negative figure during his extended time at Old Trafford, and his attitude reflected in the performances and approach of his team.

A defensive manager inspired only by the desire to destroy, Mourinho stifled and prevented his creative players from expressing themselves, and the outcome eventually resulted in his departure.

Mourinho made Manchester United a vehicle for his own agenda. It was a role he played well at Inter Milan, but less successfully at Real Madrid, and it was during his time at the Santiago Bernabeu that the chinks in his managerial armour become so patently clear.

His appointment at Manchester United in the summer of 2016 showed a lack of due diligence from the board, and while he was seen as the only viable challenge to take on Pep Guardiola at their city rivals, it distracted from their increasing demise.

From his very first press conference on his return to Old Trafford, Solskjaer exposed just what the club had been allowed to become under Mourinho.

Rather than speak about himself, he spoke about the club, and the importance of restoring the values that had been lost. It was about the freedom of players to express themselves in an attacking approach to the game, regardless of the opposition.

It reflected a club of Manchester United’s true status, and not the empty shell that Mourinho had created in his own image.