Manchester United’s coaching chair is currently still hot. The current coaching performance is considered still far from the club’s expectations. Solskjaer’s fate was again threatened when Manchester United drew 2-2 with Italian team Atalanta. And again Solskjaer’s savior from defeat was Cristiano Ronaldo.
United’s match against Atalanta in the fourth match of Group F of the Champions League could be said as the lucky one. In the game, MU is still one step behind Atalanta where MU always concedes first, both playing at home and away.
Solskjaer seems to be trying his luck by using a 3-5-2 formation, where when using this formation Solskjaer’s team managed to shave Tottenham 3-0. United’s game at Atalanta’s headquarters is actually a mess as they don’t have clear instructions from the coach.
Manchester United are still playing sporadically and there is no formation or tactical calculation against Atalanta. Many MU players are confused about finding a position and confused that the ball will be sent when they want to attack. Hence, this has raised questions about Solskjaer’s leadership at Old Trafford.
Manchester United can win easily against Tottenham Hotspur because Spurs’ position is being hit by a slump. This is not because United’s game has improved.
This Saturday will be a testament to Solskjaer whether he has really played well or will repeat the massacre at home against Manchester City. The crushing defeat to Liverpool still leaves a scar for the Red Devils fans. Therefore, Solskjaer must not allow that wound to be hurt again by Pep Guardiola’s men.
Dealing with City is of course very difficult task Red Devils, considering City’s performance is getting stronger day by day. Moreover, in the fourth match of the Champions League group stage, City managed to beat Club Brugge 4-1 at the Etihad stadium.
Nonetheless, looking at the last five meetings between the two teams, Manchester United has a good record by winning three times, drawing once and losing once. So, Manchester United must play carefully when dealing with Manchester City at Old Trafford.
This Manchester derby will be very interesting to watch and this derby will also be a benchmark for the quality and fate of Solskjaer in the coaching chair of the Red Devils.
