This is not the best time to support Manchester United as a fan. It has been gloom and anguish for the past two weeks for dedicated fans of the 'Red Devils'. For two weeks now it has been a tale of mixed fortunes for the club in the hands of Óle Gunner Solskjaer. United started the season on a bright note when they brushed aside Newcastle United 4-1 at Old Trafford in the season's opener.
However, the past two weeks have seen a downward turn in fortune for both club and supporters alike. First, United went away to Young Boys in their first match in this season's UEFA Champion League group stage. Boosted by the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo, United made a bright start in the campaign. They led by 1-0 courtesy of CR7 until Aaron Wan-Bissaka was sent off in the first half of the match. This suddenly meant that United will finish the match with 10-men. Young Boys rallied around and scored and equaliser and even went on to win the said match 2-1. United had a chance to salvage something in the said match but Jesse Lingard spurned a glorious opportunity to salvage a draw in the game towards stoppage time. So it is, United lost the game.
On came West Ham in the premier league as their next match. United under Solskjaer also laboured so much to get something from the said game. It took the introduction of Jesse Lingard and his brilliance and individual effort to score what turned out to be the match winner. When all seemed to have settled down West Ham United were awarded a last minute spot kick which Mark Noble famously missed; thanks to David de Gea's famous save on the day to ensure that United ran away victorious. Questions were however raised about the manager's game management looking at the number of stars packed in the side.
As if fans have become a bit relaxed with the win, Wet Ham United came calling again when United hosted them in mid week in the Carabao Cup at Old Trafford. Solskjaer rotated his team including bringing on Dean Henderson at the goal, Diogo Dalot in defence, Juan Mata and Donny van De Beek in the midfield and fielding Anthony Martial up front. The likes of Paul Pogba and Cristiano Ronaldo didn't make the match day squad; with Fernandes and Mason Greenwood on the bench. Solskjaer even named Phil Jones on the bench too!
It was a night to forget for fans of the Red Devils as West Ham United won on the night 1-0. Thus, Manchester United were eliminated from the Carabao Cup on their own turf. Fans and lovers of the club alike started questioning the manager's pedigree to handle the club as performance and results are now taking a downward trend despite their acquisitions to the team.
United were also to play another game at home, this time a premier league match against Aston Villa. This match presented a perfect opportunity for the manager to salvage something for the club to put smiles on its fans once again. It should be noted that Aston Villa have not won at United for 12yrs now. Their last win came in December 2009 with Gabriel Agbonlahor's goal the difference in the game.
Solskjaer fielded what appeared to be his strongest side with Ronaldo, Pogba and Bruno Fernandez returning to the side. Tactics and technique meant that United laboured to.make an impact. Imagine playing a team like Aston Villa who have not won at Old Trafford for 12yrs with two DMs. Thus, even with the change of personnel, Solskjaer's United laboured to make a difference. Aston Villa did the unthinkable when Kortney Hause headed home in the 88mins for Villa. United were however awarded a penalty at the stoppage time which Bruno Fernandez uncharacteristically ballooned away.
The loss to Aston Villa meant that United have played 4 games in a row and have won only one. Questions are now being asked by fans and lovers of the club if Solskjaer is really fit for the club. Is Man United too big for Solskjaer?. United will host Villarreal this midweek (Tuesday) in their second Champions League group match. Recall that Solskjaer also lost to the Yellow Submarines in last season's UEFA Europa League finals on penalties. One wonders if he will get one over Villarreal this time around. Till then fans are still not at ease with Solskjaer at the helm of affairs.
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