Manchester United fans' all over the world had low expectations when the transfer window was closed on October 5th after a mixed window. They bought a quality midfielder Donny van de Beek from Ajax, one of the best left backs in europe, Alex Telles, from Porto and a desperate signing in 33 year old Edinson Cavani from Paris Saint Germain after the failed recruitment of Jadon Sancho. Cavani prove everybody wrong, he proved that he still is a quality center forward, even as his career his winding down as he scored 17 goals in 39 appearances but he did pick up a few injuries throughout the season. Donny van de Beek was not given enough minutes in games, where Solskjaer constantly brought him on in the dying moments of games. The question must be asked if he was a Glazer signing? Alex Telles followed the same path where he suffered from a lack of games even though there were valid reasons for that with the season Luke Shaw had. Still he should have been given more opportunities. Amad Diallo a promising young talent from Atalanta arrived and starved for opportunities as well. As mentioned earlier Luke Shaw had an outstanding season along with Marcus Rashford who scored 21 goals and 15 assists while carrying various injuries during the season, Mason Greenwood finish to the season would encourage most fans but the standout has to be Bruno Fernandes who scored 28 goals and 17 assists, deservedly won the Sir Matt Busby Player of The Year Award. Where would they they be without him?
Solskjaer performed beyond expectations by finishing second, unbeaten way throughout the season and reaching the Europa League final but his inexperienced showed as he lacked the tactical know how and in-game management. He seems unable to change how the team plays during games. Substitutes are used to late to make an impact and it seems to be a refusal to substitute his favorite players i.e. Marcus Rashford, Bruno Fernandes, Mason Greenwood, Paul Pogba and Edinson Cavani. The coaching set up needs an overhaul. Manchester United have a problem of creating chances against teams that are well organized defensively and there is lack of proper defending at set pieces. Michael Carrick and Kieran McKenna don't have the experience to support a inexperienced manager like Solskjaer and Mike Phelan, is experienced but he worked under Sir Alex Ferguson but football has moved on and changed since where there are experienced coaches with fresh ideas. Solskjaer needs to get experienced, proven coaches in. This is all he can do as a manager but he needs to be backed by The Glazers in the transfer market. Next season will be a make or break for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
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