‘Ole’s at the wheel, tell me, how good does it feel?’ – The most iconic games of Solskjaer’s first two years in the Old Trafford hot-seat as the Norweigan continues the search for his first trophy win as the Red Devils’ manager.
Ole’s time at Old Trafford has been a mixed one so far, experiencing both periods of upset and victory. The media has seen the Norweigan as someone to pick at after most defeats and the lack of a trophy win has been a cause for concern. However, the quality of the side has evidently been built on.
I personally believe that he has been a successful appointment and some of the games that he has managed has made his desired game plan of attacking entertainment evident. From the iconic Champions League comeback in Paris to the defeat at home to Tottenham, it has certainly not been boring as United look to improve themselves on and off the pitch.
Cardiff City (A) won 5-1 – @CardiffCityStadium – 22nd December 2018. Ole’s first game as United manager. The freedom that the Norweigan would aim to bring to the Manchester club was put on display, it became obvious that Mourinho’s replacement would set out to win games positivily by using their attacking flair. Marcus Rashford, Ander Herera, Anthony Martial and Jesse Lingard put all their names on the scoresheet. Lingard with a brace. The victory in South Wales was the start of a twelve game unbeaten run, including a victory at Tottenham and a draw at home to Liverpool. Great FA Cup victories in London were also a part of this successful period, beating Arsenal and Chelsea respectively.
PSG (A) won 3-1 – @ParcDesPrinces – 6th March 2019.
One of Ole’s greatest games as United manager. A last-ditch penalty on French soil by the striving academy product Marcus Rashford saw the club progressing to the Quarter-finals of the Champions League. A game to remember as progress didn’t seem possible.
Wolves (A) defeat 2-1 – @Molineux – 16th March 2019.
The Norweigan’s ‘honeymoon period was brought to a halt as cracks started to show in what had been a really successful time at the club for Ole. A disappointing end to the season was brought on by a cup defeat in Wolverhampton and the need for a great recruitment process became obvious, if it hadn’t already been.
Everton (A) defeat 4-0 – @GoodisonPark – 21st April 2019.
Cracks became ‘cancerous’ as Gary Neville’s frustrations were put into an passionate rant on Sky Sports, this game made it distinct that there were MAJOR problems.
Chelsea (H) won 4-0 – @OldTrafford – 11th August 2019.
Ole’s Manchester United smashed the new Chelsea manager Frank Lampard’s Chelsea. It was a very fluid game and the red forwards continued to run with pace at the visiting defence.
Manchester City (A) won 2-1 – @EtihadStadium – 7th December 2019.
When United travelled to the Etihad in the December of 2019, few would have predicted that the Reds would win the league encounter. However, much to the pleasure of the many travelling supporters, they did. Academy product Marcus Rashord and Anthony Martial got their names on the scoresheet as United won a ‘big’ game, a win that meant a lot to Ole as it showed the capabilities of his managerial qualities and the quality of his team.
Manchester City (H) won 2-0 – @OldTrafford – 8th March 2020.
The last game with fans in the stadium was a Manchester derby, what a game for supporters to go out on. United did what they did best and Scott Mctominay pounced on a free ball after a loose goal kick from Ederson to make sure that the hosts won, it was an emotional moment for the club’s faithful. Ole looked up to Sir Alex whilst academy product Mctominay celebrated in front of many delirious fans, a moment to remember.
Manchester City (H) lost 3-1 – @OldTrafford – 7th January 2020. Chelsea (N) lost 3-1 – @WembleyStadium – 19th July 2020. Sevilla (N) lost 2-1 – @RheinEnergieStadion.
Ole’s side would lose all of their cup semi-finals, which was a devastating blow to what had been a relatively successful season. United would finish in the top four but missing out on a trophy win was a great blow, the media placed criticism on to the Norweigan back for this.
Tottenham Hotspur (H) lost 6-1 – @OldTrafford – 4th October 2020.
Disastrous performance by the red devils at Old Trafford. Doubt, major doubt was placed on Ole and his side as it should have been. It was a devastating start to the campaign for the red devils. Three defeats in the opening six, losing to Arsenal and Crystal Palace at Old Trafford. This performance was symbolic of the start, a lot had to be done to change the way that the season was looking to pan out.
Everton (A) won 3-1 – @GoodisonPark – 7th November 2020.
Ole’s job was seen by the media as being ‘on the line’. All doubts were put to bed with a sparkling performance by the Norweigan’s team. Bruno Fernandes, again, showing his quality scoring two goals and assisting Edinson Cavani late on.
Southampton (A) won 3-2 – @StMarys – 29th November 2020.
An ability to comeback was again shown on the road, Cavani was linked to the league winning robin Van Persie with two goals late on to be victorious. This game showed a lot about the manager that Ole is as he made the substitutions that would win the game and the side’s quality of going until the last minute was proven.
Leeds United (H) won 6-2 – @OldTrafford – 20th December 2020.
A game that made the red devils attacking intent evident, this encounter against Marcelo Bielsa’s local rivals was seen by the media and football fans globally as a fight between two sides who set out to attack. This happened. Leeds’ defence was left open to exploit whilst their forwards went up the pitch and Ole’s side showed their quality by exposing the open defence. Scott Mctominay aided the scoreline with two quick-fire goals in the opening three minutes.
Everton (A) won 2-0 – @GoodisonPark – 23rd December 2020.
Manchester United reached their fourth cup semi-final with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer with a good performance in Merseyside a couple of days before Christmas. New signing Edinson Cavani and Frenchman Anthony Martial put their names on the scoresheet with late strikes following a very closely fought out ninety minutes. A performance that brought great optimism for Ole’s side.
Solskjaer will be hoping that tonight’s carabao cup semi-final is another game to remember, for all the right reasons. Even if it isn’t, fans should be optimistic and excited about the possibility of a ‘title charge’.
Thank you very much for reading,
All the very best,
Ethan Hoijord