According to the latest reports, Manchester United manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has stated that his players should fit in and embrace the culture of the club or face the consequences of being thrown out. The Red Devils have a crucial fixture coming up against Manchester City in the Premier League as they eye a top-four finish in order to book a berth in the Champions League next season.
What Was The Story Surrounding Solskjaer And His Message About?
Since taking charge of Manchester United as caretaker back in December, Solskjaer has had the best possible start to life as a manager at Old Trafford. The Norwegian took the reins from the ‘Special One’ Jose Mourinho. The Portuguese was sacked after a run of poor results and performances in the early part of the season. United was languishing in the sixth. They could only hope that things didn’t get worse from then onwards. However, Solskjaer had an immediate impact on the club he left as a hero.
Solskjaer exceeded expectations as a caretaker manager. He was handed the Manchester United job on a permanent basis after a string of positive results. That was in the Premier League and qualification into the Champions League quarterfinals. However, the results have not favoured Solskjaer since being appointed as the permanent manager. United have lost six of their last seven games across all competitions. This was including a defeat against Barcelona over two legs. It resulted in elimination from the Champions League.
Now United’s top-four hopes are now on the line and it will be an uphill task to qualify for Champions League football next season if they do not win the game against Manchester City on Thursday.
The Comments That Were Made That Were Left Unheard?
Speaking to reporters ahead of his visit to Goodison Park on Sunday, Solskjaer said that his Manchester United players should be ready to follow the history and culture of the club: “As a club, we cannot carry players. Everyone has to take ownership, keep improving, show that hunger that you want to get better individually and as a team, it is about culture as well. They have to have a culture where players take ownership themselves. I think the players deserve to get the chance to come in for pre-season and show what they are capable of.”
“Are they fit enough? Are they hungry enough? Do they want this enough? Do they want to give everything to the team? Or do they think only about themselves? What is the definition of culture? I would say it is about how we do things here and I have my way of doing things and I expect them to be done. We want to create a culture that we believe in. That might mean small things like having breakfast or lunch together.”
The Tweet That Was Sent Out By Manchester United Recently Featured Solskjaer
"We know we let the fans and the club down."
More from the #MUFC boss:
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) April 21, 2019
Solskjaer also added that he will be ready to axe the players. The ones that he is not impressed with. That is as new signings will arrive at the club in the summer transfer window, “I like my players to take ownership. That is the type of player I like – and I have been impressed by many of the players we have got here. Not all of them, but a lot of them.”
Well, the problem now is that the manager’s words had no effect on the team. They were worse than what they had showcased in recent times. The Red Devils suffered a 4-0 away loss at Goodison Park. That surely hurt their ambitions to finish in the top four this season. The only thing that helped their cause is that Arsenal lost to Crystal Palace too at home. Interesting things lie ahead.