Newcastle United 1-0 Manchester United: 5 Talking Points and Tactical Analysis | Premier League 2019/20

#1 Ole’s at the wheel, but for how long?

How long will Ole be at the wheel?

Back in March, Manchester United were in dreamland. The Red Devils had just overturned an improbable 3-1 deficit against Paris Saint-Germain and looked en route to unlocking their potential under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Consequently, the Norwegian, who was previously appointed as a caretaker manager, was handed the reins permanently. After all, United felt that one of their own would help them traverse the upward curve the club demanded.

Yet, it has gone rather pear-shaped for the Old Trafford outfit since Solskjaer was installed as the permanent manager.

The Red Devils have won only 5 of their last 23 games, averaging a victory every five matches. Moreover, they’ve only scored 7 goals in their last 10 matches, since they stuck 4 past Chelsea on the opening day. Also, they’ve failed to win any away game since that evening in Paris. In addition, they are just 2 points off the relegation zone after 8 games.

More worryingly though, the early optimism has been sucked away from Old Trafford and things don’t look drastically different to what unfolded during Jose Mourinho’s infamous days at the club.

The side seems to lack a direction and there seems to be no decisiveness in their play, an aspect magnified by their constant chopping and changing of personnel.

And, though injuries could become a possible excuse, even Solskjaer wouldn’t be ‘pleased’ with what his team has produced, over the past few weeks.

Back in March, the Old Trafford faithful rejoiced at the Norwegian’s arrival, singing songs of ‘Ole’s at the wheel’. While he still is in charge, one can’t help but wonder if the former United forward is indeed the right man to steer the club away from impending doom.

And, if the answer to that question is in the negative, maybe the wheels might just have come off for Solskjaer.