News: Impact Sub - OGS The New Gaffer Thread

The formations used are very dependant of who is playing. The 4-3-3 for instance should almost be a given when Pigs is playing, but it does not mean it necessarily should be the go-to when he isn't (not with the players we have available).
Ole still may have a chance to solidify his position with me at least, if we start seeing some actual progress results wise, meaning he figured out how to handle mid to lower level teams and not just the tip 5-6 ones. He also has to show growth in his methods and tactics, by showing a minimum of tactical acumen and improved in-game management. He is found wanting in both areas, if we're being honest.
The bottom line is that those who want him out, have not come to this decision on a whim, or for no valid reasons (for most at least). He's been in charge for a year and had a superb start where his decisions made perfect sense (and the results backed that very clearly). However, once he got the job on a permanent basis, he started going away from what made him successful. Injuries played their part, but again some of them were in a way of his own doing, with the players obviously overworked and burnt out (the number of muscular injuries alone are ample proof of that fact).
And he doesn't look like he's learned going into this season with the team as a whole looking even more limited than last season, with the counter attack, the only set way of playing in terms of style. There is no nuance or ability to play differently when the circumstances demand it.
Even our defense which was supposed to be improved this season, has actually regressed, despite the fact that we spent 130mil, with the supposed crown jewel in Maguire (who really was suppose to transform our backline), looking worst than he has in the last 2-3 seasons. If Ole had a super assistant at least, who would be able to make up for his deficiencies, it would be one thing but, possibly McKenna aside, he doesn't even have that.
As it's been said multiple times, everyone is aware that the problems go way beyond just the manager, but we can't delude ourselves that it's not one nonetheless. And with the availability of a top echelon guy who appears like a great fit, something that could not be said on one level or another with any of the guys post SAF, it would not make any sense to improve where we can.
It probably will not be the ultimate or final answer, or a cure-all, but at least we will have addressed an issue, as best we can, which would be a start and possibly put us firmly on the right path.

 

Manchester United so far: pic.twitter.com/HJyn12ErpE

— B/R Football (@brfootball) January 1, 2020

 

Would like to believe it to be true in any way, but I just do not see it. As a matter of fact, I think that, in a very real way, our latest injury issues with 2 of our top CMs, are a godsend to him. As it's another ready made excuse if things do happen to go south (which they really could this coming month).
The inconsistency, no real tactical plan (except for hitting teams on the counter whenever possible) and the constant preventable mistakes (with player selection as an example), have run their course with me.
Still fine with giving him the remainder of the season to prove himself, but as previously mentioned, I want the team ready to move if necessary by season's end with an alternative if the same thing we've seen all season so far, goes on the rest of the way.
I mean, what are we doing here, settling for mediocrity while everyone else around us is actively striving to get better in one way, form or fashion....

 

The fangs are out...

"He took my number 20 and that’s probably all he’s going to take from me as well...”

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has hit back at Robin van Persie's criticism of him 👀#bbcfootball #mufc pic.twitter.com/HucwpitCQg

— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) January 3, 2020

 

Ole to speak to Pogba about Raiola's comments.

https://www.skysports.com/football/...o-criticise-man-utd-says-ole-gunnar-solskjaer

Interesting to see Ole showing his darker side in today's presser: getting testy about ? re Pogs, responding to RvP's criticism and Raiola's comments.
Nothing wrong with it at all of course (personally think it's good to see even): he's never really showed that side before, outwardly and in public that is.

 

Don't sign anyone this month and Ole will all but prove himself to be the 'yes man' some thought him to be, if he doesn't say something about it. And no, the idea is not for him to go full Mourinho and blatantly/publicly go to war with Woodward and the board. But it's about giving him what he needs to try and do his job to the best of his abilities (regardless of what one may think about them).
The midfield obviously needs to be addressed and there are viable targets who are there for the taking: it's about making it happen. No help forthcoming this month and we could out of a couple of cup competitions (which I imagine Ole wants to try to win pretty bad). Not to mention, our league position could be in serious jeopardy as well. He can't just lie down and take it...

 

If we need proof of how a proper manager who actually knows how to coach, does make a difference, we need to look no further than Pool and today's match vs Everton.
None of their big guns and regulars started and while they did not have the quality they usually have, the football and the style, by and large remained the same. Everything we see regularly from this Pool team: the forward intent, the intensity, the pressing, it was all on display today.
The fact that they were playing a weakened and inexperienced team didn't matter, nor did it fundamentaly change or affect their gameplan and approach. As previously stated, we can lament the squad being short and lacking personnel wise in some areas. But if we have a manager at the helm who is obviously limited in terms of his tactical acumen, it's as much as an issue as far as I'm concerned.

 

United has the tools to beat Pool - Ole

https://www.skysports.com/football/...-man-utd-have-what-it-takes-to-beat-liverpool

 

Ole not the right man to manage United?

https://www.theguardian.com/footbal...solskjaer-not-right-manager-manchester-united