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Former star questions Solskjaer’s authority at Manchester United

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer celebrates after Manchester United beat AC Milan in the UEFA Europa League last-16. (imago Images)
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer celebrates after Manchester United beat AC Milan in the UEFA Europa League last-16. (imago Images)

Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has his leadership and authority questioned

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer appears to have opened a Pandora’s Box with his treatment of David de Gea.

The Spaniard has been the club’s first-choice goalkeeper for 10 years and arguably our best player on many occasions. Also United’s top earner, his time at the club appears to be coming to an end.

Solskjaer dropped De Gea to the bench last week against Brighton in favour of the young and upcoming Dean Henderson. As things stand, it is not the first time that the Norwegian has done it.

Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has his leadership and authority questioned
Solskjaer and De Gea heading to a point of no return at manchester United?

The United boss was keen to bench his Spanish shot-stopper earlier in the season. However, he backed down after the 30-year-old threw a fuss. (h/t Manchester Evening News)

Speaking on ESPN FC (h/t The Express), former Premier League star Shaka Hislop questioned Solskjaer’s leadership and authority. He believes that the Norwegian giving into player power paints him in poor light.

“You’re looking at your manager for leadership, to be strong, to be the one who lauds over that dressing room.”

Hislop for one would not be surprised if those in the United dressing room questioned Solskjaer’s authority. He believes the Norwegian has been found lacking as a manager in this aspect.

Solskjaer has shown a weak hand in previous itneractions with De Gea

How a strong manager thinks!

“If I’m anyone else sitting in that dressing room, I’m questioning Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s authority.”

Hislop goes on to add that such a situation would not have occurred in his day. One does not have to look past Sir Alex Ferguson’s treatment of Ruud van Nistelrooy to know it is true.

Ferguson dropped his star man from the season’s final game in 2002, denying him a chance to win the Golden Boot. It was an articulate decision that drew the best out of Nistelrooy the following campaign.

Manchester United manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, with Sir Alex Ferguson. (imago Images)
Manchester United manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, with Sir Alex Ferguson. (imago Images)

There are few better man managers than Sir Alex and for someone who screams about the United DNA, Solskjaer will do well to walk the talk. Exposing his soft underbelly will do little to earn him the squad’s respect.

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With Henderson now having started seven games for United in a row, Solskjaer has an opportunity to establish him as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper.

All eyes will be on him on Thursday as the Red Devils prepare to take on Granada in the Europa League. Whether the Norwegian will cave in or hold his own remains to be seen.

Written by Pranav Nair

An Engineering postgraduate with a keen interest in statistics, pop culture and football.

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