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By the later stages of the game against Tottenham, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looked a little tense. He had outsmarted his opponents in the first half with clever tactical tweaks, which had earned him a goal and ensured that the home side had very little chances to influence the game.
However, when Spurs went all out in the second half, Solskjaer looked worried. He tried to mix things up by sending in a few fresh legs and that, coupled with some fine defending from his team and the genius of David De Gea in goal, allowed United to come away with a win.
The victory at Wembley was vital for United in their pursuit of a top-four finish, bringing them closer to their goal and Solskjaer's intentions are quite clear now - he wants to take United as high up the table as possible till the end of the season.
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While the worrying winks of his forehead had disappeared at the end of the game at Wembley, Solskjaer might as well get used to the pressures of the Premier League. Because from now and up until May, the Norwegian will be tested continuously and today we take a look at the 5 fixtures whose outcome could determine his future at Old Trafford beyond the summer.
Honorary Mention: The two-legged UEFA Champions League Round of 16 tie against PSG - the Norwegian will be tested against the French Champions, but the burdens of expectations might not be as high as these 5.
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#5 Arsenal (A) - Premier League: 09/03/2019
By the time Manchester United travel to the Emirates to face Arsenal, the EPL table might look a lot different - both United and Arsenal are tied on points right now, with the Gunners ahead due to a superior goal difference. United are currently on a 6 game unbeaten streak in all competitions and have only Liverpool to play, among the big 5, before they face the Gunners in the Premier League.
The Gunners on the other hand, have lost 3 of their last 6 games in the Premier League, and before welcoming United to the Emirates, have to visit Tottenham and Manchester City. While it is hard to imagine that United will manage to hold on to their current form until March, it is also foolish to assume that Arsenal won't get back to winning ways. As such, the game might be more on the balance than it is currently appearing.
Solskjaer will face a stern test in this game because United's minimum target of Champions League football rests on the fact that they can beat the competition to the No. 4 spot. And Arsenal are among the clubs fighting for that place. The speed and attacking football of Emery's team will need another tactical genius from the Norwegian to overcome.
#4 Chelsea (H) - Premier League: 27/04/2019
The Chelsea game is scheduled for the end of April and by then, the race to the front four might already be over. However, the Blues are currently at 4th place, the position Solskjaer must steer his team to for any chances of staying beyond the summer as a Manchester United Manager and that is why this fixture is important for him.
Chelsea now have 47 points from 22 games and they have scored 40 goals and conceded just 17. United are currently on 41 points, 6 points behind them and have scored 44 goals and conceded 32. Just the fact that United have recently overtaken Sarri's team in terms of goals scored is a clear indication of how well Solskjaer has performed since taking over.
Maurizio Sarri had started the Premier League by going on a 12 match unbeaten run, a period where they scored 27 goals and won 8 games. However, Chelsea have since lost 3 games already and are no longer unbeatable. United came away from Stamford Bridge with a thrilling 2-2 draw under Mourinho, however, Solskjaer will be hoping he can get one over his old foes at home.
#3 Arsenal (A) - F.A. Cup: 25/01/2019
Technically, the F.A. Cup is United's strongest chance of earning a Silverware this season. Even though United are still in the UEFA Champions League, the F. A. Cup represents Solskjaer with a realistic opportunity of ending the season on a high and convincing the United board that he is the right man to take them forward.
United have started the FA Cup under the Norwegian's leadership this season, which will give Solskjaer added motivation to ensure a successful run. United have won their third round draw against Reading at the start of the year and that set up a thrilling encounter with arch-rivals Arsenal in the FA Cup fourth round at the end of January.
The Gunners have won the tournament a record 13 times, one more than United, which makes this tie so interesting. Last season, United had a great run in the tournament, only to lose to Chelsea in the final in May. This time though, Solskjaer will be paying this tournament a lot of attention and as such, this tie will be one of the defining moments of his time as a United Manager.
#2 Manchester City (H) - Premier League: 16/03/2019
When it comes to the Manchester Derby, current form and league position go right out of the window. Manchester United hates losing to Manchester City, especially at home and few people know it better than Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. The rise of the blue half of Manchester in recent times would not have appealed to a hard core Red like the Norwegian and he could endear himself to the fans and the board by getting a win over the noisy neighbours at home. He will also be desperate for a win just for the satisfaction of it, because of his decades old association with this tie.
United visited City in November and were humiliated 3-1 and the difference between the two sides was evident. As such, this tie will not just be a test of Solskjaer's resolve, it will also be one where his tactics will be scrutinized. By pitting his wits against an exceptional manager like Guardiola, the Norwegian will be expected to show how far he has brought the team and how much farther he can take them on his own.
The first battle of Manchester of the year will have a lot of significance for Solskjaer and might be one of his sternest tests as a Manager. A positive result here will reinforce his application for the permanent role.
#1 Liverpool (H) - Premier League: 24/02/2019
One of the biggest rivalries of football, the away leg defeat at the hands of Jurgen Klopp's men cost Jose Mourinho his job. It was the final straw for the Portuguese whose jarred tactics did more harm to United than good and allowed their rivals to steal a march on them. While catching them is almost impossible - they are 16 points ahead of United right now, there's nothing more Solskjaer would love than to put a dent in Liverpool's title march.
The Norwegian is no stranger to the hostility between the two clubs and he would hate to be the manager under whose watch Liverpool took the first step towards regain the porch. As such, Solskjaer will be motivated to get a positive result at home, but it won't be easy.
Liverpool have lost just 1 game in the league so far and have conceded just 10 in the 22 games played. They have scored 6 more goals than United and their attackers will require some stopping.
But Solskjaer has proven so far that he is up for a challenge and his handling of the United squad has unleashed the attacking talents at Old Trafford. As such, the Norwegian will be relishing this tie, this battle which will be the biggest test of his managerial career. A positive result early in February will be satisfying as well as brilliant for Solskjaer's chances of achieving his targets this season.
