It is now a familiar feeling of losing Premier League matches that Manchester United fans have had to deal with over the past number of years. But with another defeat, this time against Burnley, it is the Red Devils’ worst run in a campaign for over 30 years.
Skies are incredibly dark over Old Trafford with even the fans not taking their seats. One thing that was always certain was their attendance, but it appears now that is starting to dwindle, with atmosphere lacking and gaps being formed across all stands.
There is just over one week to go in the January transfer window and Manchester United, to no surprise, are failing to bring targets in. Bruno Fernandes is one of those players the Red Devils’ management likes and appreciates, but so far they have been reluctant to match Sporting CP’s valuation of £50 million.
With both Ander Herrera and Marouane Fellaini leaving in the past 12 months, it is a gross oversight as to why no replacements have come in – especially six months ago. The same can be said with the departures of Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez – both of whom have gone to Inter Milan.
There is no doubt in the suggestion that Solskjær has had an incredibly difficult job in trying to sew the pieces together and rebuild this squad, but the results on the pitch are not anywhere near sufficient enough – and neither is the style of play.
With the injury to Marcus Rashford, Solskjær is left with Anthony Martial to lead the line and only 18-year-old Mason Greenwood as back-up. No forward planning whatsoever has been made and with a huge second-half of the season forthcoming, Manchester United are without reliable goal-scorers
The misjudgement and mishandling of Paul Pogba’s injury has also been ringing alarm bells. Forced back against Rochdale in the Football League Cup, the France international aggravated his injury even further and to this day has failed to record consecutive appearances for his club.
Manchester United’s fans have shown clear displeasure in the way the football club is run behind the scenes, but also now their dissatisfaction as to how Solskjær is not getting a tune out of his players.
The Red Devils might be placed fifth in the table, but in terms of quality week in, week out, they are so far behind most of their competitors. Even Arsenal now, managed by ex-player Mikel Arteta, have a clear direction in which they are going and their passage of playing becoming crisper.
Solskjær has not had the experience of managing a club of Manchester United’s size, and although he was a former player at the club, his inexperience is shining through with how he is dealing with the press and managing fan expectations.
Mauricio Pochettino is currently waiting on the sidelines for the phone call from Ed Woodward, but he will not be in this position for the foreseeable future. Should Manchester United miss out on him for a third time, fans will show their considerable displeasure for a long period of time.
