Manchester United have confirmed the appointment of Ole Gunnar Solskjær as the club’s new interim manager.
The former United striker returns to Old Trafford for his sixth job in management following the sacking of Jose Mourinho.
However, the appointment of the Norwegian legend has raised many eyebrows for three big reasons…
Poor record with Cardiff City
In 2014, Solskjær returned to England to manage Cardiff City, following a successful spell with Molde FK – who he guided to their first League title in 100 years.
But the excitement surrounding his return to the Premier League swiftly died down as his tenure descended into a nightmare.
For the first time during the 2013/14 season, Cardiff fell into the bottom three following a number of horrendous results.
Despite promising a more attractive brand of football, supporters grew frustrated.
A negative atmosphere grew at the Cardiff City Stadium and ultimately, the Bluebirds were relegated.
Just nine months on from his appointment, Solskjær opted to end his disastrous spell in England.
His record with the Welsh club brings into question why the most successful club in the country have handed him a second chance?
Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s record with Cardiff City:
| Played: | 30 | Won: | 9 | Drew: | 5 | Lost: | 16 |
Question marks over Manchester United appointing an interim
With Manchester United being one of the most attractive clubs in world football, it begs the question as to why they have failed to line-up a long-term replacement for Jose Mourinho.
Solskjær is set to remain in charge at Old Trafford until the end of the season, but why have the Red Devils failed to make find a full-time manager?
Despite the current state of the club, it remains a surprise that United have failed to appoint a manager on a full-time basis.
This job remains one of the most coveted in Europe and United’s hierarchy should be disappointed not to have found a long-term successor.
However, bringing in an interim does suggest that United are most keen on managers that are currently unavailable.
The two obvious names are Mauricio Pochettino and Massimiliano Allegri – with the pair both currently in stable jobs.
Better options available than Solskjær?
LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 11: Opposing managers Jose Mourinho (R) the manager of Chelsea and Laurent Blanc (L) the head coach of PSG look on during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16, second leg match between Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain at Stamford Bridge on March 11, 2015 in London, England. (Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images)
Solskjær has very little experience of managing at the top level.
Aforementioned, when he was previously tried and tested in the Premier League, he failed miserably.
This is a hugely risky appointment, with very little suggestions the Norwegian will do any better than Mourinho.
Appointing an interim is a sign of just how bad things have gotten at Old Trafford and with the risk of the situation continuing to get worse.
Assessing the other options the likes of Laurent Blanc, Zinedine Zidane and Antiono Conte were all hugely better options that were available.
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