31 Dec 2019 09:42:47
I think Ole has done a pretty good job of steadying the ship. He's (re-) introduced an attacking style, given a lot of youngsters a proper chance, and begun to weed out the unwilling and the unfit from the squad. He knows the club and has learned from the great SAF himself. SAF was once asked, of all his greatest players, who was going to make a great manager, and he replied 'Ole: he's always analysing the game from the bench. ' That's what made him such an effective sub.

The modern game, and, indeed, the modern mind, does not often allow for patience. This club has been in turmoil and sliding out of contention for top trophies like the league and CL for over six years now. The holes in the squad were apparent even before the great man retired, and we all know the what's happened in between with ineffective replacements and poor recruitment leaving the squad a confused mess with too much player power.

So fixing this mess is going to take more than a season or two. And the upward trajectory, if and when it arrives, will not necessarily be linear. But this feels different. Young stars are shining. Slightly older ones are finding consistency and coming of age, albeit slowly. Even Fred, who I can guarantee every poster on this site had written off, myself included, is suddenly looking like a good footballer who might just help us get to where we want to be.

I'm not saying Ole's the Messiah, and I'm not saying he's a very naughty boy. Sure, I've had my doubts as to whether he's got the tactical nous to beat the best, or attract top players, but you know what? He's only going to get better. (And so are Martial, Rashford, James, Williams, Tuanzebe, McTominay, AWB, Greenwood, Henderson, and a few other besides. )

Yes, I was disappointed when we capitulated to Watford, just like we've done before, but I can see us pulling in the right direction. Even though we have off days, the players seem to be buying into his vision, and that counts for a lot. Klopp didn't win trophies at the start of his reign, but they gave him time to build a team and instil his methods. Ole's already proved he can go toe-to-toe with Guardiola and Mourinho (and Fat Frank) .

I don't know if Ole will be our manager when we next win the league, but I'm enjoying watching him help us get back into contention. He's my favourite manager since SAF, too. Of course I'm biased because of what he did for us as a player, but we also know that he's got that killer instinct, and apparently a hairdryer, too.

The year I became seriously interested in English football (thanks to Eric Cantona and Panini), United were already Champions, so that's all I ever knew. But I see the way other fans and teams have suffered as we kept winning and winning, and now the boot is on the other foot. To get back to the top takes time, especially when you're competing with two of the greatest teams to have ever graced English football. Even when we were all conquering, we still didn't set records like City and Liverpool have been doing. Time, and perspective, gentlemen, and ladies too.

It's been a pleasure reading this site for over 15 years now, but my, has it gotten b! tchy at times too. Let's focus on the positives. And thank you to all the marvellous Eds who keep this thing going for so many fans of so many teams. Happy New Year.

{Ed047's Note - A really nice post Arnie and have a great New Year yourself.


1.) 31 Dec 2019
31 Dec 2019 12:39:24
Arnie really good read that, I agree with all that.


2.) 31 Dec 2019
31 Dec 2019 13:11:30
Well said - my head says OGS is so wrong, but my heart loves the fact he’s in charge and the direction he’s taking. I’ll go with my heart. Happy anew Year all - fabulous site and and insights from all involved. Thank you.


3.) 31 Dec 2019
31 Dec 2019 13:13:17
Arnie I agree with 90 per of your very good post. But I think ole should stay away from Fergie

I know what Fergie did for us all. I've been a united fan for 40 years.

But imo ole should stay independent of Fergie with a lot of matters regarding transfers and how team should be selected.

I'm also a little annoyed with ole cause he's stated he wants to build for next year.
Fair enough but look at what's still on offer this season. Cup semi last 32 in Europe and 4th place possibly in reach.


4.) 31 Dec 2019
31 Dec 2019 14:10:47
Great post Arnie.


5.) 31 Dec 2019
31 Dec 2019 14:21:27
I think he's just trying to lower the pressure by talking about next season. What he's saying in public is probably very different to what's being said indoors.


6.) 31 Dec 2019
31 Dec 2019 14:59:41
Great post Arnie!


7.) 31 Dec 2019
31 Dec 2019 16:27:35
Not a bad debut, Arnie son 😁.