Pranav Nair
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer fires back at Rio Ferdinand and Paul Scholes
According to The Mirror, Manchester United manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has hit back at Rio Ferdinand and Paul Scholes.
Both former players were critical of Solskjaer’s tactics of late. While Scholes and Ferdinand have raised different issues regarding how Solskjaer deploys his United side, neither have painted him in good light.
“What was the change in formation then, you tell me?”
While Scholes has taken issue with the lack of balance that exists between the attack and the defence, Ferdinand is not a fan of playing three at the back.
It was playing three at the back that came back to haunt us against RB Leipzig. Our tactics were quickly undermined as the Germans raced to a 2-0 lead.
United have also deployed the diamond formation in the past while the 4-2-3-1 setup helped us hold Manchester City to a stalemate.
The defence!
Responding to the criticism, Solskjaer asked to be told what changes in the formation he needs to make. He went on to add that the 4-2-3-1 was ironed out to get the best out of Paul Pogba who admittedly had a good game.
“It was a 4-2-3-1 and coming into that pocket is probably Paul’s favourite position. Paul did well and the team’s shape was as it normally is.”
Responding to Ferdinand’s criticism, Solskjaer was quick to point out that playing three at the back saw us pick up the decisive wins over PSG in our Champions League opener
“Twice we played three at the back – we beat PSG and lost to Leipzig.”
The Norwegian stressed on the need to cater the formation according to the opposition and feels United have done well so far.
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While Solskjaer has the right to defend his decisions, he has to react better to constructive criticism. Despite calling him out, both Ferdinand and Scholes too have United’s best interests at heart.
We were thoroughly outplayed against Leipzig. Also, the match against City was, to put it kindly, a masterclass in playing defensive football. Considering we came away with just one point, questions are to be expected.
United have been lucky this season with certain results that have had nothing to do with tactical innovation. While no manager will get all of their tactics right, Solskjaer will do well to listen and also adapt when needed rather than take offence.
