Manchester United
Man United appoint Solskjaer on a permanent basis – here are the pros and cons of the decision
Manchester United opinion: Positives & Negatives of Solskjaer’s appointment
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been appointed as the permanent manager of Manchester United, four months after he was handed over the caretaker duty from Jose Mourinho. (h/t ESPN)
The Norwegian legend, who played for the Red Devils back in the day, has signed a three-year deal with the club. He left Molde and came straight to Old Trafford Jose Mourinho was sacked (h/t ESPN).
Since then, the 46-year-old has turned fortunes here and the positive results are the proof of that.
Now, with the permanent appointment done, it is vital that Solskjaer leads his team to Champions League qualification at the end of this season. If that happens, then the financial backing in the summer transfer window would be easier to ask for.
Next up, let’s take a look at the positives and negatives that adjoins with this afternoon’s big announcement:
Positives
1) Backing of the fans and Sir Alex’s wisdom
We all know that Solskjaer is one of the fan favourites at Old Trafford. Hence, it won’t be wrong to say that the Norwegian might get more time when compared to other managers to rebuild this team even if negative phases come along the way.
Secondly, it has been well-documented that Sir Alex Ferguson have been providing some wise inputs since Solskjaer arrived at the hotseat. Furthermore, with Mike Phelan and Michael Carrick as the support staff, the former United striker has good company to work his magic with.
2) Good man-management skills and promoting youth
In his short time at the club, we have seen how Solskjaer has rejuvenated a rather pale looking squad. That speaks highly about his man-management skills.
The Norwegian speaks well in press conferences and inspires people around him to work according to a plan. He instructs the players to play for the badge and give their all until the last second of the match.
Moreover, he has stressed on promoting youth and offering them enough chances to shine at the big stage. The first example was set when Marcus Rashford was given the central striker role, a position where the youngster prefers to play.
Negatives
1) Tactical Evolution
Solskjaer’s previous stint as a Premier League manager came at Cardiff City, and it is fair to say, things didn’t really work out for him there.
The Norwegian has struggled when teams come up with different tactics to nullify the plan A put out by him.
The best example was when PSG came to Old Trafford and did a number on United. The manager didn’t have many answers to the questions that were posed by the French champions.
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2) Managerial inexperience at the top level
Whenever a manager of Manchester United is hired, people look at his managerial history to understand his philosophy and the know-how of handling extreme pressure.
In that case, Solskjaer is way short of the mark. His inexperience of top-level management may come to haunt him, but the good thing is that he has the support of Mike Phelan alongside to help whenever required.
Arsenal boss Renee Slegers has confirmed that Emily Fox is likely to miss Wednesday’s League Cup semi final clash with Manchester United after the defender suffered a head injury in the FA Cup win over Aston Villa.
The United States international came off in the 22nd minute of Arsenal’s 2-0 victory and was replaced by January signing Smilla Holmberg.
Fox has been an ever present figure in the Arsenal team this season, featuring in all 12 of their WSL clashes. Her absence for such a crucial semi final represents a significant blow to the Gunners, though Slegers will be hopeful that Fox can return for Arsenal’s vital WSL clash with Chelsea this weekend.
Slegers Taking Cautious Approach
The Arsenal manager explained the club’s careful handling of Fox’s injury. “We assessed her yesterday and today, and we just want to make really good decisions with Foxy. It’s looking likely she won’t be in the squad tomorrow, and then we will assess her again tomorrow and the day after. That’s where we’re at now with Foxy.”
This is the right approach from Slegers, who cannot afford to rush Fox back and risk a more serious injury. Head injuries must be treated with extreme caution, and Arsenal are sensibly prioritizing the player’s long term health over short term results.
Holmberg Could Start Against United
Fox’s absence will likely present a chance for new signing Holmberg to start against the Red Devils. The Swedish defender impressed after coming on against Villa and will be eager to prove herself in such a high profile fixture.
Slegers also confirmed that goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar will be in the squad after missing matches since November 19, while Leah Williamson remains unavailable.
Arsenal face a hectic schedule with the League Cup, Chelsea in the WSL, and the Women’s Champions Cup all upcoming.
Also read: Renee Slegers Signs New Arsenal Contract Until 2029 After Champions League Glory
Manchester United
Ella Toone suffers Hip Bone Stress: How long is the Manchester United midfielder set to be out?
Ella Toone has suffered a major injury setback, with the Manchester United midfielder expected to be sidelined until at least March. The England international has a bone stress in her hip but won’t require surgery, with Marc Skinner confirming she will return before the end of the season.
“She’ll be back before the end of the season. So, it’s probably about six to 10 weeks, depending on how it was from the point of it. So, you’re probably looking around six to eight weeks, something like that. Yeah, she’ll be back before the end of the season and ready to go. We’ll be looking forward to welcoming her back,” Skinner said.
Massive Loss for United’s Top Three Push
The timing could not be worse for United, who are entering the business end of the season fighting for a top three finish. Toone has started in 11 of United’s 12 WSL games this season with three goals and five assists to her name. Her five assists lead the entire league in creating chances for teammates, making her absence absolutely devastating for the Red Devils.
United sit fifth in the WSL table with a gap already forming between them and Chelsea in second. Only the top three teams earn automatic Champions League qualification and losing your most creative player for two months during this crucial period is a nightmare scenario.
Will Miss Champions League Last 16
Toone will definitely miss United’s Champions League last 16 tie against Atletico Madrid in early February. The Red Devils beat the Spanish side 1-0 in the league phase but facing them without their most creative midfielder makes the task significantly harder.
If the 26 year old returns in six weeks as expected, she could be back shortly after March’s international break. However, it is highly unlikely Toone will be fit enough to join Sarina Wiegman’s first England squad in 2026.
Manchester United
Manchester United Sign Sweden International on Three-Year Deal From Hammarby as Young Forward Fulfills Dream Move
Manchester United have announced the signing of Sweden international Ellen Wangerheim on a three-year deal running until June 2029. The 21-year-old forward joins from Hammarby IF, confirming rumours that have been circulating for days and reported extensively in the Swedish media.
Wangerheim said: “I am so excited. It feels amazing to be here. It’s a huge club with big history. So sitting here in this shirt is a proud moment for me. It’s always been my dream to move abroad and to play in another country, in Europe and in a really big football club.”
Matt Johnson Secures One of Europe’s Best Young Talents
Director of women’s football Matt Johnson pulled off an excellent piece of business, beating several clubs to Wangerheim’s signature. “Ellen is one of Europe’s best young talents. As a dynamic, invasive and versatile forward Ellen brings variation and a natural scoring instinct to the team. Everyone at the club is excited to have her at Manchester United and the opportunity to help maximise her potential.”
The forward made over 100 appearances for Hammarby, winning the OBOS Damallsvenskan title and Swedish Cup in 2023. She was part of the Hammarby side that United played in the UEFA Women’s Champions League back in August, a match United won 1-0. That performance clearly caught Marc Skinner’s eye.
International Pedigree at Just 21
Wangerheim made her senior debut for Sweden in April 2024 in a 1-1 draw with England at Wembley Stadium, announcing herself on the international stage at a major venue. Her early call up demonstrates the high regard in which Swedish coaches hold her abilities.
Manchester United sit fifth in the WSL and desperately need attacking reinforcements after struggling for goals at times this season. Wangerheim represents the type of young, hungry talent that could transform their fortunes.
Also read: Sam Coffey makes feelings clear in farewell message as she joins WSL giants
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